Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) inaugurates Tarsheed Energy Efficiency Forum 2023, which is held between December 4-5 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha, with the participation of distinguished guests and directors of departments from across the State of Qatar.
His Excellency Mr. Issa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, President of Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) highlighted during the opening of the forum: “KAHRAMAA, represented by the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency, will continue to achieve sustainability and efficient consumption in the electricity and water sectors in the State of Qatar. This initiative signifies a new starting point on the road towards sustainability, energy efficiency, and energy transformation in accordance with Qatar Vision 2030.”
His Excellency, the President of Kahramaa, stated that the significant outcome of "Tarsheed" during 2023, is the reduction of approximately 500 million kg of harmful carbon. Additionally, the initiative has successfully instilled the concept of sustainability in the new generation, reaching more than 300 schools at various levels. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable shift in the behavior of citizens, residents, and partners from all sectors of the country, embracing a culture of conservation and energy efficiency, which is considered a noteworthy achievement. H.E. Mr. Issa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari added: “Tarsheed will persist in its efforts until 2030, focusing on advancing through the formulation and development of regulations and legislation related to the conservation and energy efficiency of electricity and water. The initiative aims to embrace cutting-edge technologies that align with our environment, preparing for the era of a knowledge economy and a smart Qatar. Additionally, there will be a sustained commitment to the circular economy approach, maximizing the utilization of water treatment, smart farming practices, electric vehicle applications, and renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy; this approach aims to curtail water and electricity waste effectively.”
Tarsheed Energy Efficiency Forum 2023 stands as a powerful symbol of progress and innovation, embodying a commitment to promoting dialogue on energy efficiency for sustainable development. With a primary focus on exploring various facets of energy efficiency, the forum serves as a platform for industry leaders and experts to collaborate by bringing together diverse perspectives.
This forum also builds a foundation for enhanced collaboration, knowledge sharing, and actionable insights that are key to accelerating the journey to a more prosperous and sustainable future. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with leaders in energy fields, explore ideas, and promote sustainability for both present and future generations. Functioning as a pivotal platform, it aims to propel the energy efficiency program to unprecedented levels. Furthermore, it becomes a stage for acknowledging accomplishments, unveiling innovations, and collectively addressing the significant challenges that lie ahead.
The Forum held a keynote panel session focused on the current trends and challenges in energy efficiency during the year 2023. The objective was to provide an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements, innovations, and challenges within the dynamic energy efficiency sector, offering valuable insights for all stakeholders. The main session included:
· Eng. Yousuf Janahi - President’s Advisor for Business Development at Kahramaa.
· Dr. Eng. Abdulla Mohsin Al Wahedi - Director of Shared Services at Kahramaa.
· Dr. Gonzalo Castro De La Mata – Executive Director of Earthna member of Qatar Foundation.
· Mr. Santiago Banales – Managing Director of IBERDROLA Innovation Middle East.
· Prof. Haitham Abu-Rub, managing director of the Smart Grid Center at Texas A&M University in Qatar.
The forum enhances its scope by holding an elaborate two-day side exhibition open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. It includes the projects of the competition winner, prominent energy efficiency companies, and a presentation of the remarkable achievements of “Tarsheed” programme. This talent-rich exhibition, advanced technology, and influential strategies create an interactive experience for influential initiatives, advanced technologies, and change-driven strategies that increase Qatar's energy efficiency.
It also celebrates the exceptional achievements of the winners of the “Tarsheed” competitions for the year 2023. The National Program for Conservation and Energy Efficiency is keen to interact with all sectors on a yearly basis by launching competitions that encourage the adoption of a sustainable lifestyle.
As part of its commitment to social responsibility and the promotion of responsible practices in conservation and energy efficiency, the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency aims to reduce electricity and water consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, the Programme highlighted the valuable contributions of partners from various sectors within the state, including public, private, and international entities, and cooperated with them through more than 20 memoranda of understanding and cooperation during the 2023 year.
The award aims to celebrate remarkable efforts and groundbreaking advancements in the field of energy efficiency, with a focus on conserving the state’s electricity and water resources and reducing harmful carbon emissions. The winners of the Conservation and Energy Efficiency Department's competitions were honored as follows:
Conserving Building Competition (6 sectors)
1. Government sector: Qatar Investment Authority
2. Business sector: Doha Festival City building
3. Hospitality sector: Hilton Salwa Beach Resort
4. Residential sector (real estate developers): United Development Company (UDC)
5. Residential sector (individuals): Sheikh Khalifa Bin Ali AL Thani House
Best water recycling initiative competition: Internal Security Force -Lekhwiya
Best Building Renovation Initiative Competition: Qatar Foundation
Best Sustainable Building Design Competition: Public Works Authority (Ashghal) of Lusail Bus Depot Project
Best District Cooling System Competition: Lusail District Cooling Plan
Tarsheed Competition for The Best Innovative Idea In Energy Efficiency: Mr. Sauod Al Janahi
Top EV User Competition: Mr. Abdullah Saeed Alsibei
Best Smart App in The Field of Sustainability: Hamad Bin Khalifa University/ QKONs Program
Best Thesis of Energy Efficiency Award: Texas A&M University at Qatar/ Fast two-way EV charger project with network services support.
Ali Sharida, PhD student
Alamera Nouran, PhD student
Prof. Sertac Bayhan, Supervisor
Prof. Haitham Abu-Rub, Supervisor
Best School Project on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Somya Girls' Primary School/ Renewable Energy Project in Garden Cooling
The best sustainability projects of creativity and innovation initiative in Kahramaa: Community College of Qatar/ Towards sustainability and hosting of World Cup Qatar 2022
National entities that supported "Tarsheed" Programme have been honored, particularly the programme's projects and initiatives during 2022 and 2023, as follows:
The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan: for their efforts to collaborate on an energy efficiency audit of buildings and facilities.
“TASMU” Smart Qatar: for their efforts in collaboration with the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency “Tarsheed” to launch Smart EV Charging Platform and the mobile application.
Msheireb Properties: for their ongoing efforts in support of energy efficiency awareness initiatives
Earthna: for the collaborative efforts of the E3 initiative, an energy efficiency certificate that aims to introduce the owners of enterprises to adopt conservative methods and technologies as the first phase of the project.
Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD): for their ongoing efforts with “Tarsheed” Programme in the audit of buildings and establishments, in particular the Energy Efficiency Audit Book.
Texas A&M University at Qatar: for the innovation and scientific research efforts in the areas of water treatment and renewable energy
Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute: for their agreement with Kahramaa on Water Quality and Energy Efficiency
Qatar Science and Technology Park, IBERDROLA: for the energy efficiency laboratories and installation of smart meters
Siemens: for their cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and electric vehicle charging project
Q-Auto: On innovation and scientific research efforts in the areas of water treatment and renewable energy
Doha Festival City: for their efforts and support to announce “Tarsheed” project of Smart EV charging stations.
TWYLA Technology: for their efforts and collaboration in the initiative to handle water waste in a mosque, which resulted in water conservation savings.
The Swedish companies that supported the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency:
· Pak Company
· ABB Company
· Comsys Company
· Wayout Company
It is worth noting that the Qatar General Corporation for Electricity and Water "Kahramaa" is actively promoting the adoption of conservative energy efficiency practices in all sectors. Their initiative aims to reduce electricity and water consumption in order to reduce carbon footprints in accordance with Qatar Vision 2030 to achieve a sustainable future and a better life for future generations.
