A regional exhibition promoting the conservation of energy will be held in Bahrain this month under the patronage of Works Minister and EWA head Fahmi Al Jowder with the support of Bahrain's National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga).

The three-day 'Energy Saving Expo,' being held from June 16 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, is organised by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) and the Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE).

The BSE and EWA on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding for the expo, at the Gulf Hotel in Manama.

It was co-signed by EWA distribution and customer services deputy chief executive Adnan Fakhroo and BSE president Abdulmajeed Al Gassab.

"The expo aims to increase citizens' and residents' awareness on the importance of energy saving by being familiar with the latest materials and technologies in thermal insulations and air-conditioning systems, in the process improving efficiency and energy management," Al Gassab told a Press conference after the signing ceremony.

He said the expo comes at a time when there is increasing demand on energy in Bahrain and the rest of the world.

"This necessitates the holding of such an event so that people become aware of alternative energy saving tools and benefit from the scientific progress to reduce the pressure on national economy and wasting of natural resources," said Al Gassab.

He said in today's competitive business environment when the cost of oil is increasing, energy saving is not a choice, but rather a mandate to maintain business results.

Fakhroo said Noga, with its support to the event, had shared its concern on the shortage of the natural gas, the main source of energy in Bahrain.

"With continuously high growth of energy consumption in Bahrain, which has increased to more than 12 per cent annually in the last two years, the event will concentrate on modern technologies in energy savings such as using highly-efficient air-conditioners and other electrical appliances."

He said the expo would also encourage using hi-tech designs, energy management and thermal insulations in order to support energy savings and enhance building performance.

"The expo will reinforce the energy saving national campaign, which will be implemented by EWA this summer," said Fakhroo.

"It will also highlight the achievements of the EWA's Conservation Directorate."

Bapco is the expo's gold sponsor, while silver sponsors include Exxon Mobil and Sharp. The expo will be open for the public between 9am to 7pm on all three days. Entrance is free.-TradeArabia  News Service