DUBAI, 3rd December, 2023 (WAM) -- Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai, Minister of Environment and Climate Change in Sierra Leone, said that his country is committed to boosting its renewable energy share to nearly 60% within the next five years by implementing targeted programmes and policies that will mitigate the effects of climate change.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during COP28, the minister underscored a two-pronged strategy for achieving his country's renewable energy targets. Firstly, by harnessing its abundant water resources and sunshine, Sierra Leone will strive to generate additional megawatts of clean energy. Secondly, the hybrid systems programme will be operationalised to optimise energy production.
In addition, he continued, Sierra Leone is embarking on an ambitious initiative to expand its network of mini-grids from 100 to 300, with a strong emphasis on incorporating clean energy sources. This expansion will significantly enhance access to electricity in rural communities, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods.
To achieve this goal, Sierra Leone is collaborating closely with various partners, including Masdar and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), to explore and implement innovative strategies for integrating clean energy into mini-grid development. This collaborative approach will ensure that Sierra Leone's mini-grid expansion is not only sustainable but also cost-effective and scalable.
He stressed that Sierra Leone's commitment to clean energy aligns with its broader efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development.
By expanding its mini-grids with a focus on clean energy, Sierra Leone is demonstrating its leadership in addressing global environmental challenges while empowering its citizens with access to reliable and sustainable electricity, he added.
Expressing his appreciation for the UAE's organisation of COP28 and the long-standing partnership between the Emirates and his country, he emphasised the importance of tailoring COP28’s goals to Sierra Leone's specific climate action needs. "We aspire to emerge from COP28 as a beacon of tangible progress", he noted.