The UAE’s Masdar company which has installed the six-megawatt wind farm in Seychelles is expected to help the country with a waste energy project.

This was revealed by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Didier Dogley after attending the 6th assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

He was accompanied at the assembly by Tony Imaduwa, chief executive of the Seychelles Energy Commission; Philippe Morin, chief executive of the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC); and Terry Romain from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The assembly was held on January 16-17 in Abu Dhabi.

Irena is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international co-operation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.

It seeks to make an impact in the world of renewable energy by maintaining a clear and independent position, providing a range of reliable and well-understood services that complement those already offered by the renewable energy community and gather existing, but scattered, activities around a central hub.

Minister Dogley noted that in the span of five years Irena has evolved from a concept to a fully functioning intergovernmental institution which Seychelles is happy and proud to be part of.

“Renewable energy is no longer a dream or a preoccupation of the privileged few. It is fast emerging as a mainstream technology able to answer multiple challenges and deliver multiple opportunities for countries and communities across the world. It is a sector in which Seychelles is placing a lot of effort so as to ensure the security of our energy supply as well as doing our part to adapt to climate change, which is a major threat to island nations,” noted the minister.

He said that the main objectives of the meeting were to bring more coordination among countries and give more support to countries who are interested in renewable energies.

“Being a small island developing state, we depend almost entirely on imported petroleum products for our energy needs. Currently there is a decrease in the price of crude oil and if it goes further up, our island can suffer a lot. In Seychelles we need to do a review of all our renewable projects done so far and for this we are seeking Irena’s help. After a six-month study, we will be in a better position to rearrange our strategies,” stated Minister Dogley.

With regard to how well the renewable projects are known to Seychellois, the minister said he recognises that not enough marketing has been done for the various facilities that exist, but as of this year his ministry will make all these facilities known to the public through various media houses. In February there will also be a workshop with all stakeholders to assess and know more about the country’s renewable initiatives.

About his meeting with the Masdar company, Minister Dogley described it as successful for Seychelles and our efforts will continue in easing access to renewable energy, making it a vital component of sustainable development, climate mitigation and resilience for all.

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