EU boosts the Somali energy sector

Hargeisa, 04/03/2015

 

Today, the European Union (EU) and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) launched a new 3 year Somali program aiming at the use and dissemination of renewable energies. Through the “Somali Energy Transformation” (SET) project, more than 100.000 households will have access to sustainable and affordable energy services in Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia.

 

Deployment of renewable energies will contribute to a cleaner energy sector. Achieving this goal will help the Somalis to move along a low carbon development pathway contributing to climate change objectives, increased energy security, more economic opportunities and better access to energy services. This goal will be achieved through the development of solar photovoltaic markets and solar powered systems for irrigation, health and educational facilities and community electrification schemes, but also through promotion of efficient cook stoves and support for youth led renewable energy enterprises.

 

“This is a very timely project that will immensely contribute to the development of the Somaliland energy sector, in addition to contributing significantly to the Government’s goal of lighting up rural and peri-urban areas of the Country, said the Somaliland Minister of Energy and Minerals Hussein Abdi Dualeh. We will work with the EU and ADRA to ensure efficacious implementation of this vital intervention“.

 

“The EU believes in this innovative project which will change the lives of many Somalis, said the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Michele Cervone d’Urso. Expanded access to electricity will improve access to water, health and education services, and will boost job opportunities. We hope the project will bring a transformational change by spreading the use of renewable energies throughout Somalia.”

 

“This action will facilitate eradication of extreme poverty and hunger through provision of energy aimed at increasing production in the agriculture and livestock sectors making food more affordable and in the process generating jobs, said Luiz Carmago, Country Director for ADRA Somalia. The project will also deploy cleaner energy systems that are needed to ensure environmental sustainability and mitigate against climate change“. (ENDS)