The two years project is one of eight winning proposals out of over 170 proposals submitted jointly by universities in the UK and the GCC for the Gulf-UK institutional link grant. It focuses on the lead capacity building of future research and innovation experts in sustainable energy and water technologies, thus developing local expertise to design and operate such systems, and reducing reliance on foreign expertise. Also, it will conduct technical research to support the implementation of the Bahrain National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) developed by the Bahrain Sustainable Energy Unit. Furthermore, it will provide independent, trustworthy technical guidance for the design of integrated energy and water systems, well suited to the climatic conditions of the Gulf countries. Consequently, it will help to raise confidence in solar and wind as viable alternatives to oil and gas for providing secure energy and water supplies, thus reducing concerns and barriers in government and industry circles.