Business Sweden and British High Commission Host Renewable Energy Workshop in Botswana
The British High Commission in collaboration with Business Sweden recently hosted a workshop in the area of renewable energy.
The British High Commission in collaboration with Business Sweden recently hosted a workshop in the area of renewable energy. The focus of the discussion was on the economics of renewable energy, possible financing models and highlighting successful case studies from the region.
The objective of the workshop was to bring together policymakers, renewable energy players and the finance community to address barriers to investment in the renewable energy sector. More than 40 senior participants (from international companies, green groups, economists, independent policy experts, the Parliamentary Committee for Energy and the Botswana Government) engaged in an open and constructive dialogue around the opportunities alternative energy offers Botswana to diversify its energy mix.
The British High Commissioner to Botswana Mr. Nick Pyle said: “Low carbon energy increases energy security, reduces emissions and creates jobs. The UK is on track to produce 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and we are keen to share our expertise with others. I see this workshop as the first step in an ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders, including regulators, distribution agencies and state development agencies, to understand how renewable energy technologies can help Botswana to meet its current and future energy needs.”
Patrik Ollson, the Manager of Business Sweden’s Botswana office said: “With this workshop Business Sweden hopes to start a serious dialogue concerning the importance of having an energy mix. We see renewable energy as an opportunity to create employment and drive innovation.
The workshop has received an overwhelming response and opened avenues for further discussions on the issue in the local context. Renewable energy will play an important role in achieving overall energy security, growth and prosperity, besides preventing harmful climate change.