Korean firm signs accord for clean energy study on La Digue |22 November 2012

The representatives of the KC Cottrell Company are in Seychelles to investigate business opportunities and investments in the renewable energy sector.

The visit has been facilitated by the Seychelles Investment Board, in collaboration with the Seychelles Energy Commission, and there have been talks with senior government officials, members of the private sector, as well as workshops and site visits on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

Talks were also held with private companies to discuss the renewable energy products, such as a solar diesel hybrid system.

This is the company’s second visit to Seychelles, following a first one which was a fact-finding mission.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed yesterday afternoon took place at the office of the Minister for Energy and Environment Rolph Payet at the Citimart Building, Le Chantier. Minister Payet signed for the Seychelles government, while the Vice-President of KC Cottrell Taeil Kang signed for his company.

Minister Payet said the project is part of the plan to make La Digue a carbon-free eco-island, where it relies mostly on renewable energy for the majority of its energy consumption.

“The company has already started feasibility tests on La Digue, and is looking into the possibility of installing solar farms on land, sea and also on rooftops. We are working with them and supplying all the information they need, such as the total energy consumption on La Digue, how many consumers are there, the variations in energy use at different times of the day and night, and so on,” he said.

“The project is still on a study phase for now, but once the investment stage is reach, an approach will be made to the Korean government for financial assistance.”

The company will also donate a 3kW solar power system for L a Digue, as well as a vehicle which runs on electricity both to be used as a part of a pilot project.

The delegation’s visit comes after President James Michel visited Korea earlier this year and held talks with private sector companies, including KC Cottrell on renewable energy possibilities for consumption and for use by vehicle in Seychelles.

Mr Kang described the venture as a win-win situation for both Seychelles and Korea, and said the success of the project will be an example for other African countries to consider.

The company, which has been dealing in environmental technology for over 35 years, has also established a branch in Taiwan and ventured in America and Europe as well.