The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) represented by its Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) signed a cooperation framework to benefit from QEERI’s laboratories, one of the research institutes of HBKU.

The ceremony took place at HBKU’s headquarters in the presence of H. E. Engineer Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, KAHRAMAA President and Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President of HBKU, and Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director of QEERI.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Ahmed Al-Nasr, Director of Technical Affairs, on behalf of KAHRAMAA, and by Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director of the Institute 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 2018-2022, 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.

On this occasion, H.E. Al-Kuwari stated that 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.”

As KAHRAMAA puts great importance to the quality of the water it provides, which is tested through the KAHRAMAA Water Laboratory that has attained an ISO certificate and a number of the highest international certificates, the increased assurance will further come through the national expertise available in the institute instead of resorting to a number of international laboratories.

This cooperation will contribute to achieving the maximum benefit of natural resources according to global environmentally friendly systems to provide a clean, healthy, integrated and safe environment for future generations.
In this regard, Dr. Marc Vermeersch stated that he is delighted with the cooperation with KAHRAMAA, which will provide an opportunity for a number of joint research projects to take place. He said: "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 adds 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. Through our cooperation with KAHRAMAA, we seek to provide a healthy and safe environment for future generations, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 that promotes the sustainability goals of the natural resources.