Workshop held Dec. 16 New times need new energy [Archives:2002/52/Reportage]

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December 23 2002

BY FAHMIA AL-FOTIEH
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
Promoting renewable energy in Yemen was the theme of a workshop held Dec. 16.
Discussion focused on using new energy sources to help eradicate poverty, improve the quality of life and help the environment in Yemen.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MOTE) and the Environment Protection Authority (APA) the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNDO), along with the Technical Supply Center (TSC) and the International Center for Science and High Technology (ICS) held the event called “Potential Renewable Energy Application in Yemen”.
Abdulmalik al-Eryani, Minister of Tourism and Environment stressed the importance of using the affordable renewable energy especially in the ecolodges and neighboring villages to reduce pressure on natural resources and maintain a clean environment.
Najwa Gadaheldam, UNDO expert in Vienna International Center, commented ” The workshop has a quite good success for bringing together the Ministry of Environment and groups from the private sector and some NGOs together to realize renewable potential energy in Yemen. It’s helped in taking steps forward. Hopefully now the Yemeni government will implement rules as soon as possible and put in place some policy issues and strategies for renewable energy implementations.”
She added, “Of course we have to come up with some fundable projects and also cooperate with other donors like UNDP or bilateral agencies in the country to implement something and to stimulate the market. Without private sector intervention there is no success at all. So we cannot take a long time. We need to have partnerships with business and get revenues from them.”A live demonstration for possible renewable energy applications was part of the workshop.
Ellen Von Zitzewitz, environmental expert in Ministry of Tourism and Environment told the Yemen Times ” This workshop is to target the private and public sectors, specialists and key decisions-makers to take practical steps to install the renewable system in Yemen. Through this workshop, we are looking for a good policy and place as well as to promote and install renewable energy systems in areas of special ecological value, and boast eco-tourism potential in places such as the Socatra and Kamaran Islands.”
She also said, “In addition, we going to encourage local production. So we want to exempt the equipment required for establishing or expanding the renewable energy projects from tax and customs duties. Moreover we are going to study other countries successful experiences in this field and try to implement such experience and make it visible.”There was discussion concentrating on the government’s role in enhancing and supporting the renewable energy investment. Besides funding projects, it’s hoped it will help with training courses and encourage local manufacturing.

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