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January 20, 2022Under the patronage of His Excellency the Secretary General of the League of Arab States;, the Secretariat of the Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity (Energy Management – League of Arab States), in cooperation with the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) organized the eighth and ninth editions of the “Arab Energy Efficiency Day” on Sunday (May 23, 2021).
The Arab Energy Efficiency Day is one of the most important Arab celebrations in the energy field. The day sheds light on energy efficiency measures as one of the best means to save energy and reduce the investments needed to secure economic and social development needed and help Arab countries reduce their dependence on energy imports, for energy importing countries, or increase exports for energy-exporting countries
Accordingly, The Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity in its 9th summit, held at the headquarters of the Secretariat on December 22, 2011, issued decree No. 147, which declared the 21 May of every year to be the Arab Energy Efficiency Day.
The eighth and ninth editions began with an opening statement from the League of Arab States Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Economic Affairs Sector, H.E Ambassador Kamal Hassan Ali who welcomed the esteemed participants and thanked all institutions that participated in Arab EE Day competitions despite the harsh conditions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic. Around the world, including the Arab world, the Corona pandemic caused severe disparities including access to modern and sustainable energy services at reasonable prices assured HE Ambassador Kamal Hassan Ali. He added “Electricity has been the main pillar of responding to public health emergencies in many countries. But millions of citizens in the Arab world still lack the basic capabilities to obtain them, which has led to a doubling of international public financial flows to developing countries to support clean and renewable energy since 2010 to reach $ 21.4 billion in 2017 and these flows hide large disparities, as only 12% Of the flows in 2017 reached those countries most in need”
Additionally, the Head of Energy Management at the League of Arab States, Mrs. Jamila Matar welcomed the attendees in her opening remarks. Mrs. Mattar also thanked the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) for its cooperation with the Energy Department in organizing the activities of the Arab Energy Efficiency Day 2021.
Arab EE Day 2021 dedicated a session to celebrate the winners of the 2020 and 2021 Arab Energy Efficiency Day competitions. “Ta’akad” application was chosen as the winner of the 2020 competition. The application was launched by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization & was chosen as the ” Best innovative project utilizing technologies to serve energy efficiency”.
Besides, Arab EE Day 2021 competition for “Banking sector best financing mechanisms to support the private sector in energy efficiency during Covid 19 pandemic” was awarded to the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center for its project “High-Efficiency AC Initiative” and “Sunref Project” submitted by the Palestinian Energy And Natural Resources Authority (PENRA).”
RCREEE Acting Executive Director, Dr. Maged K. Mahmoud, congratulated the winners, in his closing remark, from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Palestine. ” Saudi Arabia win assures the country’s commitment to achieving its ambitious plan for 2030 developed under the patronage of HM Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the vision of His Highness the Crown Prince for the Kingdom’s future. As for the State of Palestine, represented by PENRA, the award confirms the country’s success, persistence, steadfastness, and achievement” said Dr. Maged. In his statement, he stressed the importance of energy efficiency measures to accelerate the transition towards sustainable energy sources, create job opportunities, and generate economic and social returns. He also added “RCREEE is proud to cooperate with LAS energy department team led by Mrs. Jamila Matter. As usual, we are happy to avail our capabilities and experiences in the service of the region and support Arab countries achieve their sustainable plans and programs”.
Notably, the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) has been one of the Arab Energy Efficiency Day organizers since its first session in 2013.
For more about the Arab Energy Efficiency Day, please visit www.arabeeday.net