BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Jabulani Mabuza has addressed the 13th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
When addressing the assembly, Mabuza made mention of Eswatini’s plans to attain energy transition goals. These include the Energy Master plan 2034, developed in partnership with IRENA, the independent power producer policy, and the on-going procurement of solar and biomass power generation projects.
The minister also highlighted Eswatini’s achievements in developing bankable feasibility studies for renewable energy projects, such as the Maguga hydropower expansion projects which are at fund mobilisation stage and could benefit from the newly established Energy Transition Accelerator Fund.
“ I do acknowledge that energy transition was an important topic for discussion and that it was the right path to assist developing countries, like Eswatini, increase the penetration of renewable energy, thus reduce carbon emissions, ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all,” he said.
Meanwhile the 13th IRENA Assembly convened high-level energy decision- makers from over 180 States, multilateral organisations, and private actors in a strategic global platform for inclusive and diverse discussions on ‘World Energy Transition-The Global Stocktake’.
Among other things, the IRENA membership took stock of energy transition progress towards Paris Agreement goals and identified priorities to drive action at #COP28 and beyond.
Energy leaders from Governments, private sector and international organisations provided insights on priority actions needed over the next few years, given the 2030 timeline for reducing emissions by half and achieving the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Worth noting is the minister is also expected to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from January 16 to 18, 2023. This is a global initiative championed by the UAE to accelerate sustainable development. The Abu Dhabi sustainability week will feature a series of high- level sessions focused on the key priorities for sustainable development ahead of UN #COP28 to be held in the UAE from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
