By Silindzelwe Nxumalo
The European Union (EU) Delegation to the Kingdom of Eswatini has invited Eswatini clean energy stakeholders to the EU Green Power Transformation Forum which will spearhead dialogue on adopting renewable energy solutions in Eswatini.
According to a press statement issued by the EU Delegation to the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), GET.invest, and GET.transform will be co-hosting the forum with Business Eswatini (BE) and the Renewable Energy Association of Eswatini (REAESWA).
Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to the Kingdom of Eswatini Eva-Maria Engdahl stated that the EU was sure that clean, green, sustainable, reliable, resilient, and stable energy sources were fundamental for a sustainable and inclusive economic growth and creation of jobs, besides reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and global warming.
She said the EU had already put forward a series of actions for a fair green transition and would continue to put people at the centre of its policy efforts. She stated that this Forum was part of the common effort they needed to achieve a green transition that works for all, including in their partner countries like Eswatini.
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GET.invest and GET.transform Eswatini Country Coordinator Ferdinand Nell said this Forum was a great moment to take stock of the strides Eswatini had made in its energy transformation.
He stated that working with the private and public sectors, GET.invest and GET.transform were proud to be part of this journey.
“The energy industry and sector’s progress with regards to finance readiness or grid code updates are vital for greater energy security and we look forward to the further impact this year’s event will help to unlock,” he said.
Alliance for Rural Electrification David Lecoque emphasized the importance of this Forum stating that the EU Green Power Transformation Forum would be a critical milestone in advancing sustainable development in Eswatini and showcasing the potential of public and private cooperation to drive the energy transition.
“Eswatini holds great promise, and this event is a continued catalyst for realizing that potential,” he said.
According to that statement issued by the EU, building upon the success of last year’s edition, this two-day event would delve into the essential role that both public and private sector actors play in advancing the energy transition in Eswatini.
They shared that the key topics to be explored include recent developments in the field, project investment, skills development, and innovative solutions. “In addition to these discussions, the forum will equally highlight the considerable progress achieved in the Renewable Energy sector in Eswatini, with support from the European Union,” read the statement.
The EU further stated that the Forum represented a unique opportunity to engage in renewable energy technologies and solutions in Eswatini through a constructive dialogue.
They said that serving as a platform for fostering business partnerships, knowledge exchange, and ultimately mobilizing investments in renewable energy projects within the Kingdom of Eswatini, the event would also provide an excellent opportunity to advance the Renewable Energy sector further in the country.
