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Minister hints at possible ban on import of poor quality energy devices |20 April 2015


Low quality and inefficient energy appliances will eventually be banned from entering the country, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Didier Dogley has said.

Minister Dogley was speaking at the launch of a trade fair on Friday at the Camion Hall to give the public a chance to be introduced to the concept of energy and water efficiency.

The main objective of the trade fair was to bring together retailers of resource efficiency related products – energy efficient electrical appliances and construction materials, solar energy, water efficient devices and resource efficiency services providers such as energy and water auditors.

In his address to officially launch the fair, Minister Dogley thanked all the private partners taking part in the event.

“When talking about energy and water efficiency, we first think about how much we will save. Together with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the government of Seychelles has developed a project – The Resource Efficiency Project – to ensure that these technologies are not only brought to market, but that consumers are given financial incentives to invest in them,” Minister Dogley said.

“At the same time, we will also be sifting through the supply chain to eliminate the importation of poor quality products, which are not only inefficient, but may be associated with health and safety risks.  It is in our plan to eventually ban low quality and inefficient energy appliances from entering this country,” stressed Minister Dogley.

He noted that a regular and affordable supply of electricity and water is considered to be not only a basic human need, but also a necessity for the successful economic development of our nation.

“Energy has conventionally been derived from fossil fuel, which today has become a major liability because of its rising costs in the long term and because it aggravates climate change,” noted the minister.

He said that over the past two years, we have made incredible strides in increasing the uptake of renewable energy, specifically solar photovoltaic. The government, in partnership with businesses and many private individuals, have invested in this technology, and together have tapped into one of our most abundant resources – the sun.

“Today, all the solar panels that have been installed in Seychelles, cumulatively amount to over one megawatt of power. This is roughly equivalent to offsetting three hundred and fifty thousand litres of fuel oil each year. For those who are mathematically inclined, you can translate that into savings for 10 and even 20 years,” remarked Minister Dogley.

He also mentioned that his ministry’s top priority is to explore new ways and means for our country to become more resource efficient.

The combined impact of increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy will eventually transform our society and provide the necessary energy security that most nations dream to achieve, he said.

“Most importantly, the government will ensure that the savings made will be significant enough to outweigh the investments. This means families can make cash savings, and businesses can become more profitable and grow resulting in more wealth creation,” added the minister.

Sharon Thelemaque-Ernesta from the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), said that “continual efforts are being made by PUC to improve our operational efficiency in electricity, water and sewerage sectors. Those efforts are focused for the moment on electricity production and distribution, water production and distribution and sewerage treatment. Furthermore, recent network reinforcement in north Mahé is expected to save PUC R5 million per annum”.

 

 

 

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