The Water-Energy nexus is a high priority research area for both the UK and the Gulf. The EPSRC leads on UK energy research in support of UK Government targets. It has been focusing on large-scale solutions to water scarcity. Fresh water in GCC countries is scarce and existing desalination technologies are incredibly energy intensive. A substantial amount of oil revenue is consumed annually for generating energy for seawater desalination. Rapid growth in population and the desire to have improved standards of living (together with water pollution due to industrial use of water) are increasing the water and energy demands. To secure the supply of future water and energy sources we must make use of alternative sources of energy and technology.

The Science Collaboration Symposia will be held in three countries, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, and will invite open discussions and investment in future interdisciplinary research to target water efficiency through emerging clean energy technology, with the aim of forming UK-Gulf country long term collaborations. The symposia will also look into recent advances in desalination and water reuse technologies including the integration of clean energy desalination such as solar thermal desalination. Please refer to the attached application form for country-specific background information.

The proposed dates the Science Collaboration Symposia are:
a. Bahrain (14th - 15th February)
b. Kuwait (16th - 17th February)
c. Oman (22nd - 23rd March)

The Symposia are organised with the support of British Council, UK Science & Innovation Network, Department for Business Innovation & Skills, International Unit, and Research Councils UK.