Doha, Qatar: Qatar has made significant progress in reducing water and electricity consumption through the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed), with the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) highlighting the role of public awareness, smart technologies and responsible consumer behaviour in safeguarding the country’s vital resources.
Speaking on the latest episode of Kahramaa’s Wamda Podcast, Eng. Muhannad bin Nasser Al Yafei, Acting Head of the Awareness and Community Development Section, said conservation should be viewed as a shared national responsibility rather than simply a way to reduce utility bills.
Al Yafei said Tarsheed has achieved major successes since its launch and continues to support Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting a culture of responsible electricity and water consumption among all segments of society.
The programme initially aimed to reduce per-capita electricity consumption by 25 percent and water consumption by 35 percent by 2022, while its broader 2030 objectives focus on embedding sustainable consumption habits across the country.
He attributed the programme’s achievements to sustained awareness campaigns, investments in modern infrastructure, smart technologies and the increasing availability of energy- and water-efficient products in the local market.
Emphasising the value of Qatar’s natural resources, Al Yafei noted that the country relies on desalinated water and has invested heavily in electricity and water production and distribution. Responsible consumption, he said, is essential to preserving these resources for future generations.
To strengthen public awareness, Kahramaa implements an annual outreach programme targeting schools, government entities, private companies, the general public and expatriate workers. Awareness campaigns are delivered through social media, educational workshops at the Kahramaa Awareness Park and workplace visits, with materials provided in Arabic, English, Urdu and Filipino to reach Qatar’s diverse population.
Al Yafei explained that Kahramaa seeks not only to inform consumers but also to encourage measurable behavioural change. Smart consumption alerts sent to customers when electricity or water usage rises help households monitor consumption, identify unusual patterns and even detect hidden water leaks.
He also distinguished between conservation and energy efficiency, explaining that conservation means avoiding unnecessary waste, while energy efficiency focuses on achieving the same level of comfort using less electricity or water.
The objective, he stressed, is not to reduce comfort but to eliminate waste through responsible daily habits.
Kahramaa has also introduced technical measures to improve efficiency. LED lighting has been promoted since 2015, while water-saving fixtures such as efficient taps and showerheads can reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent without affecting performance.
Addressing one of Qatar’s biggest energy challenges, Al Yafei said air conditioning accounts for around 60 to 70 percent of electricity consumption in most buildings during the summer. He advised consumers to set air conditioners between 23°C and 24°C, clean filters regularly, keep doors and windows closed and use the Auto mode to improve efficiency. Avoiding the simultaneous use of multiple high-power appliances during peak demand periods can also reduce pressure on the national electricity network.
Looking ahead, Al Yafei said smart-home technologies, energy-efficient appliances and continued public engagement will play an increasingly important role in supporting Qatar’s sustainability ambitions. He added that reducing electricity and water consumption contributes to the environmental, economic, social and human development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Concluding the discussion, Al Yafei stressed that protecting Qatar’s water and electricity resources is a shared responsibility involving government institutions, businesses and every resident. Through continued awareness, innovation and responsible consumption, he said, the country is building a more sustainable future for generations to come.
