Energy Conservation Program Kicks Off in Saudi Government Facilities

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
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Energy Conservation Program Kicks Off in Saudi Government Facilities

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.

A program to improve the rationalization of energy consumption has kicked off in Saudi state institutions.

The city of Riyadh has seen the launch of the "Energy Conservation in Buildings" course targeting experts working in government facilities. The course is organized by the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC) in cooperation with the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training over four days.

The training program is the first-of-its-kind, and one of 10 courses that are set to be launched by the end of 2019 in many of the Kingdom's cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Yanbu, Tabuk, and Jazan.

According to a statement, the courses aim at increasing the competence of experts in government facilities so they commit to regular maintenance that contribute to higher energy consumption efficiency in public buildings.

In line with an earlier agreement between the SEEC and the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, the free courses are provided for trainees working in the relevant government administrative units, such as maintenance and project departments, support services, and public services.

As part of its interest in implementing mechanisms to rationalize electricity consumption in the government sector, the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center works on three levels. The first is the technical level that aims at explaining the required standards to improve the efficiency of electricity consumption in government facilities and buildings.

The second focuses on organizing training programs that contribute to improving the capacities and qualification of a competent staff in government agencies to perform the rationalization tasks and improve energy efficiency in their facilities.

Finally, the third focuses on spreading awareness on the importance of rationalizing energy consumption and its efficiency through sustainable awareness programs and activities for employees.



Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
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Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo

Türkiye has received an exemption for gas payments to Russia after the United States imposed sanctions on Gazprombank, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar revealed in response to a question from Reuters.

The US imposed new sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank in November, creating an obstacle for buyers of Russian gas, which had been using the bank to make payments. They have since been seeking clarification and exploring other ways to pay.

Türkiye imports almost all its gas requirement and Russia is the top supplier, providing more than 50% of the country's pipeline imports.

Ankara's pipeline gas imports from Russia stood at 21.1 bcm last year.

Türkiye had requested an exemption in discussions with US officials so that it can continue paying for Russian natural gas imports via Gazprombank.

The US on Thursday also granted a waiver to Hungary, which mainly relies on Russian oil and gas.