GCC Studies Water Interconnection, Emergency Electricity Trading Rules

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are studying potential water interconnections that could allow bulk water transfers between member states, according to discussions among senior electricity and water officials.

The proposal was reviewed at the 32nd preparatory meeting of the Committee of Undersecretaries of Electricity and Water Ministries. Representatives of member states and the GCC General Secretariat attended the meeting by video conference.

Officials discussed progress on studies requested by the GCC Supreme Council into the possibility of building cross-border water links. The work remains at the study stage; the meeting report did not announce a project route, investment decision or construction timetable. Technical workshops on the proposed links were also held in August and September.

The meeting separately considered ways to strengthen the existing GCC electricity interconnection and develop its economic and financial models. Participants also reviewed matters relating to the regulation of the power link and the installed generation capacity of member states.

Bahrain submitted a proposal for a joint agreement setting electricity trading prices between GCC countries during extreme regional emergencies. The proposal is intended to help countries use the shared grid when exceptional conditions place pressure on their power systems. No emergency prices were announced.

The existing electricity interconnection is operated by the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA). Its 400kV network links the power systems of all six GCC member states. Recommendations from the preparatory meeting are due to be considered by GCC electricity and water ministers at a meeting hosted by Bahrain in October.