PCREEE supporting Vanuatu on formation of Sustainable Energy Association

A Sustainable Energy Association for Vanuatu is in sight with consultation meetings being held in Port Vila and Santo this week.

The Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) is coordinating the foundation talks in collaboration with the Vanuatu Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC).

The initial meeting in Port Vila earlier this week was attended by more than 18 mostly private sector participants, including electrical contractors, solar retailers and contractors, technical tertiary institutions and the Chamber of Commerce.

PCREEE manager Solomone Fifita said the private sector had a key role to play in accelerating the region’s transition to a cleaner, reliable and cost-effective energy system based on renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. 

“Improved professionalism, strengthened technical and business capacity will mean a louder voice and a stronger bargaining power on matters relating to the energy sector.”     

PCREEE has supported the establishment and the work of similar associations in PNG, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.

While acknowledging there could be potential barriers along the way, the meeting participants expressed strong interest in formally establishing the SEAV.

The second consultation of the SEAV will be conducted in Santo today and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association will be held on Friday 6 March at the MoCC conference room in Port Vila.

The SEAV constitution, executive members, the branding and the 2020 Annual Workplan will be endorsed at the AGM.