SADC and EU Industry Leaders chart the way for Industrial Energy Efficiency and Competitiveness in milestone Windhoek event

Windhoek, 17 May 2019 – Hosted by the Government of Namibia, the First Industrial Energy Efficiency Conference organized in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) welcomed over 150 southern African and international experts to take stock of the status of industrial energy efficiency in the SADC region, share results and best practices, identify policy recommendations and outline investment prospects.

“Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to support industry in overcoming barriers in improving their competitiveness and addressing the effects of climate change. That is why we say Energy Efficiency is the First Fuel”, said Hon. Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy of Namibia, in his opening statement. “I thank the European Union and other partners for their support, which will enable SACREEE to deliver on its mandate”.

With the financial and technical support of the European Union, the two-day event was organized by the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) in partnership with the SADC Secretariat, the United Nations Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). The event is part of the implementation of the SADC Industrial Energy Efficiency Programme (SIEEP), which was developed by SACREEE with EU support.

“The EU believes that SACREEE could play a key lead role in assisting the countries set their own national targets and in raising awareness on technologies and policies. The SADC Industrial Energy Efficiency Programme (SIEEP) developed by SACREEE in 2018 with support of the EU is a first important step”, said Ms Claudia Fischer, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., at the European Union Delegation.

Following the opening ceremony, the Hon. Minister and Mr. Andreas Pfleger, Deputy Austrian Trade Commissioner in Johannesburg, conferred the National Energy Globe Award 2019 to SunCycles, a Namibian social enterprise specialised in electric mobility and solar recharge systems. SunCycles and their innovative e-mobility solutions were among the products, technologies and initiatives showcased in the two-day exhibition.

“Improving energy efficiency in industry is one of the most cost-effective measures to help supply-constrained developing and emerging countries meet their increasing energy demand and loosen the link between economic growth and environmental degradation, such as climate change”, concluded UNIDO Representative Khaled El Mekwad.

UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development; the Organization has vast experience in supporting industries to implement Energy Management Systems and System Optimisation Projects.

Participants recognised and appreciated the immense energy efficiency opportunities available in industry and its role in addressing the various challenges to e.g. accessing affordable electricity. Numerous energy efficiency opportunities were demonstrated through the exhibition and presentations by industry experts. Financing facilities and windows for energy efficiency and renewable energy were provided at all levels in the energy value chain; from start-ups and youth entrepreneurial undertakings up to utilities and governments.

The programme was closed off by site visits to Namibia Breweries Ltd and Windhoek Goreangab Operating Company (WINGOC - the Windhoek water reclamation works). Both organisations have not only implemented renewable energy solutions in support of their value addition process, but also energy efficiency solutions for their respective facilities.

On 22 May, the SIEEP programme will be presented to the SADC Energy Ministers for adoption in Windhoek. It will further on be submitted to the Ministerial Task Force in June 2019 who will thereafter table it at the SADC Summit in August 2019.

For more information, please contact:

Kudakwashe Ndhlukula

SACREEE Executive Director

+264 61 300051

energy@sacreee.org

Further links

www.sacreee.org

www.unido.org

https://europa.eu/ 

www.se4allnetwork.org

https://www.sadc.int/

https://www.entwicklung.at/en/