AYV News, October 24, 2023
Sierra Leone’s first National Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue has been launched in Freetown.
The Dialogue, aimed at developing a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition Plan and a Climate Resilient Agricultural and Food Systems Strategy for Sierra Leone, will galvanise input from the public and private sectors, development partners and civil society organisations.
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio said: “Today, in line with my Government’s commitment to pursuing a transformative path towards a more sustainable and secure energy future, we launched Sierra Leone’s first National Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue.
“This Dialogue aimed at developing a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition Plan and a Climate Resilient Agricultural and Food Systems Strategy for the country will galvanise input from the public and private sectors, development partners and civil society organisations.
“During my Keynote Address, I highlighted the dangers that we face as a nation due to climate variability and climate change, which affect citizens and make climate adaptation efforts more pressing as rapid changes in weather patterns erode the productivity of local water and food systems and generate unintended consequences for sustainable development.
“I also shared my Government’s medium and long-term vision for energy, including comprehensive energy sector reforms to provide the enabling environment to achieve at least 300MW of new generation capacity by 2028 including a significant share of renewable energy, and mobilising investments for 1GW energy generation capacity over the next 10-15 years for local consumption and export in the sub-region.
“Our country must unlock its huge renewable energy potential and combine this with conventional energy to light up and power our homes and businesses. This National Dialogue is a step in the right direction to build strategic partnerships on energy that allow us to reach a greater level of ambition and delivery. With our collective effort, we shall achieve our vision of transforming Sierra Leone into a regional leader in clean energy access, climate resilience and food security”.
