Kahramaa, HBKU to collaborate for research on water

Doha: Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) represented by its Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) have signed a cooperation framework to benefit from QEERI’s laboratories.

The ceremony took place at HBKU’s headquarters in the presence of President of Kahramaa, Eng Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari; President of HBKU, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah and Executive Director of QEERI, Dr. Marc Vermeersch.

The agreement was signed by Director of Technical Affairs, Eng. Ahmed Al Nasr, on behalf of Kahramaa and by Executive Director of the Institute, Dr. Marc Vermeersch on behalf of QEERI.

This agreement is in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which sets economic, social and environmental development as a priority whose achievement is based on scientific research, development and innovation, as well as cooperation between the various state institutions.

Whereas Kahramaa and QEERI aim to increase their efforts to develop the water sector, improve the environment, and build a sustainable economy in line with the goals and objectives of Qatar National Strategy 2018-22, the agreement is to establish cooperation to develop joint projects between them in relation to research projects regarding laboratories and materials, especially those related to the field of water and its quality.

It also includes service agreements for Kahramaa to benefit from the expertise and resources at QEERI, which to be provided as needed under this agreement. It also includes preparing reports that clarify the achievements and the results of the important research that will be carried out.

Eng Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari said this agreement is important for Kahramaa and QEERI alike, as the two parties benefit from the available expertise available and through which they benefit from the resources set up by the state in the national institutes whose current capabilities and laboratories are equivalent to those at the global institute.

He added that by signing this cooperation framework, Kahramaa will benefit from the laboratories of QEERI in several subjects on top of which is water quality and measures of devices and equipment used in the water sector.

Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah said: “As an innovative research university that endeavors to support national Qatari entities, HBKU is pleased to strengthen our relationship with Kahramaa through this new agreement. Our collaboration will enable Kahramaa to leverage QEERI’s technical and scientific expertise to support their institutional mandate, and the country’s priorities, in the areas of renewable energy and water quality. 

“Our joint activities will no doubt foster innovation that meets the mutual interests of both institutions, especially toward building a sustainable economy in line with national goals and objectives. I am confident our combined efforts will contribute considerably to innovative research and development and amplify our individual efforts on renewable energy.”

In this regard, Dr. Marc Vermeersch said the cooperation with Kahramaa will provide an opportunity for a number of joint research projects to take place. Such projects will support innovation and development in a way that will be reflected on Qatar’s objectives with regard to a self-sustainable society that meets smart cities’ modern life requirements. The projects will also support Qatar’s steps towards a green future, achieve an economic and environmental balance, to ensure the sustainability of water, energy and environment projects.” 

He added that he is proud of the capabilities and development that QEERI has witnessed over the past few years, including its laboratories’ obtainment of the international ISO certifications, as well as many research papers being approved by reputable international conferences, in a way that contributes to the scientific and economic growth of the State of Qatar.