Renewable Energy Talks Resume At Samoa Energy Week
Minister of Finance and Chairperson of the National Energy Coordinating Committee (N.E.C.C.) Mulipola Anarosa A. Molioo.
Photo: Ministry of Finance
The nationwide overhaul from fossil fuel-based sources to 100 percent renewable energy is the focus of Samoa Energy Week that is now underway at the Samoa Convention Centre at T.A.T.T.E.
Two major events taking place during the five-day energy meeting is a review of the Samoa Energy Sector Plan 2017-2022 and the Sustainable Energy Investment Forum.
The theme is: “Sustainable Energy Transitions Enhanced.”
Minister of Finance and Chairperson of the National Energy Coordination Committee (N.E.C.C.), Mulipola Anarosa A. Molio'o officially opened the meeting on Monday morning.
She welcomed government leaders and ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners, distinguished guests and attendees to “the first Energy Week for Samoa.”
“In today's modern world, energy has become one of the most essential requirements for existence and for better living. We cannot think of life and any kind of development without energy. Therefore, “Sustainable energy for all” is a national cause,” said Minister Mulipola in her keynote address.
“All of us have to join hands and work in unison to make Samoa an energy efficient economy. The Government’s drive for sustainable energy development is clearly stated in the “Pathway for the Development of Samoa” (PDS) and the “Energy Sector Plan (SESP) 2017 -2022”.
The Government of Samoa, she said, is making a concerted effort to increase renewable energy use and improve the operation and resilience of the energy infrastructure.
The purpose of Energy Week is to raise awareness on the value of different energy options and investments, various renewable energy sources, their impacts, energy conservation and energy efficiency.
“In line with the Government’s commitment to a low-carbon and environmentally responsible future, the Government is making a concerted effort to increase renewable energy use and improve the operation and resilience of the energy infrastructure. This will also support social and community development through income generation as well as promoting environment sustainability,” the N.E.C.C. chair said.
An Energy Costume Competition was among the line-up of activities on day one of Samoa Energy Week. Featured are costumes showing (left to right) hydro energy, wind energy and solar energy.
Photos: Ministry of Finance
“The purpose of this week’s event is to continue to raise awareness of the public on the value of different energy options and investments, including various renewable energy, their impacts, costs and benefits; energy conservation as well as promoting energy efficient products and disseminating available information for smart choices in the future. That is why we have given the title “Sustainable Energy Transitions Enhanced” as the theme for this year’s energy week. The main events of this week include the review of the Samoa Energy Sector Plan 2017-2022.”
Everyone has an important role to play in promoting various energy aspects as “the Government cannot do this alone,” she noted.
“All of us need to make a sensible effort to embrace energy efficient practices and products. Our development partners play a very critical role,” said Chairwoman Mulipola.
The review is an opportunity to identify the gaps and challenges to assist with the development of the next Energy Sector Plan, she said.
The Sustainable Energy Investment Forum takes place on Tuesday at the Taumeasina Island Resort Conference Room.
It is an opportunity to learn about the different projects that are currently being implemented in Samoa and investment opportunities and technical assistance available for Samoa, said the energy chairwoman.
“In that context, I acknowledged the financial support from the Pacific Center for Renewable Energy & Efficiency (P.C.R.E.E.E.) – S.P.C., U.N.D.P. T.N.C & F.B.U.R. Project, U.N.D.P.- S.D.G. Financing, N.D.C. Hub –S.P.R.E.P., I.M.P.R.E.S.S. Project and the Montreal Protocol for Ozone Protection; which has made this week’s event possible,” said Mulipola.
Special thanks she extended to colleagues at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.), the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.), the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (M.O.P.P.C.S.), the Samoa Fire Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A.) “and all energy stakeholders who have supported Energy Week in any form of assistance and co-hosting this event with the Ministry of Finance.”
“The continuous and active support from different government ministries, corporations, N.G.O.s, the private sector, the communities and everyone who are here to support this event, is very much appreciated,” said the finance minister.
“We hope for very fruitful discussions and dialogue throughout this week’s events, to further enhance Samoa’s Transition to Sustainable Energy. On behalf of the Government, I wish to declare the Energy Week 2022 officially open. Soifua.”
Samoa Energy Week was opened by Rev. Mariota Siaea, Superintendent of the Apia Synod Methodist Church Samoa.
Guest speaker was Sefenaia Nawadra, Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P.).