Seychelles shares sustainable energy plans at Dubai forum |26 October 2012

The World Energy Forum 2012 was officially opened on Monday by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme of ‘A Forum for World Leaders’.

Leaders from member states of the United Nations, Energy ministers and international organisations from the industry and corporations attended the forum.

Seychelles’ Minister for Environment and Energy, Professor Rolph Payet, was among the more than two dozen leaders who spoke on various energy-related issues which affect the everyday lives of people and are of public concern.

In his statement on behalf of President James Michel, Prof. Payet outlined the Seychelles strategy for transformation towards sustainable energy, especially the consideration and investments in various forms of energy such as wind, solar, waste to energy, micro hydro and biofuels.

He highlighted the challenges small island states like Seychelles face in the implementation of such projects.

He also described the efforts by Seychelles to encourage private sector investments in the sector such as the proposed energy bill, the review of the tariff structure and the establishment of affordable loans for renewable energy investments by home owners. 

The importance of energy conservation and also changes in electrical appliances to achieve energy efficiencies was also discussed.

During the opening ceremony Shaikh Mohammad signed an agreement to declare October 22 as the World Energy Day. This annual commemoration will lead to the formation of a roadmap for a new model for sustainable energy that will benefit all people and promote a global adoption of safe and sustainable sources of energy that are accessible to all.

The World Energy Forum is being used as a platform to share the world’s best practices in the field of energy.

Delegates at the forum have urged governments to create an investment climate of confidence in clean energy so as to unlock the incredible potential of energy efficiency ‘the hidden’ fuel of the future.

The three-day event held for the first time outside the Unites States of America, took place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Seychelles participation in such event is crucial now that the country is forging ahead with several projects to produce cleaner and safer energy such as the implementation of the wind farm and photo voltaic solar panels.