Bahrain is undergoing a green revolution to introduce environmental- friendly electricity and water projects, according to a top government official.

The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) already abides by strict international criteria in its projects, with highly acclaimed international experts being brought in to study their potential impact, said EWA Minister Fahmi Al Jowder.

He revealed whole phases of electricity and water production and transportation were under scrutiny to ensure that they don't pose an environmental threat.

The minister was speaking at the opening of the Fourth Safety Week at Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence and Spa on Thursday.

The event, also attended by Works Minister Essam Khalaf, is being held under the theme 'Climate change and global warming'.

"We have ensured that emission from one of our major projects - the Hidd power plant - doesn't come close to international standards with it being always under it," said Mr Al Jowder.

"More than BD18 million has been spent on the second phase of rehabilitating Riffa power plant to drop emissions from 540 to 74 milligrams per cubic metre to bring it in line with international standards.

"The same work will be done to Sitra power plant in the second and third phases we hope will be complete within the coming two years."

Al Jowder said newly authorised electricity and water companies were also obliged to follow local and international environmental standards.

"There are agreements signed with companies in charge of Al Ezzel, Hidd and Al Dur to respect environmental standards, which they are doing at the moment," he said.

"We are also working to decrease water pollutants caused by desalination operations.

"This all comes under our plans to have environmental-friendly electricity and water projects."

Al Jowder said Bahrain was planning to take part, along with other GCC countries, in the Cancun Climate Change conference in Mexico next month.

He also launched a new manual on health and safety, which companies and people can use whenever carrying out or running projects.

The event also included research papers by experts in climate change and global warming, in addition to the environment, health and safety.

Oil and Gas Affairs Minister Dr Abdulhussein Mirza announced on Monday that wind and solar energy plants are on the way in Bahrain.-TradeArabia News Service