By Ayodele Deen-Cole
Minister of Energy, Alhaji Chief Kanja Sesay, has recently been speaking on the future of energy supply in the country during the just concluded first national climate resilience and energy transition dialogue. The theme for the dialogue was developing a just and inclusive energy transition plan for Sierra Leone in the context of climate resilience and food system transformation.
While at the event, Alhaji Chief Kanja Sesay said that the reliability of the country’s energy supply is very crucial to the growth and development of the nation, noting that while renewable energy sources were vital for the reduction in carbon footprint and the increase in energy access, the country must also ensure a stable consistent supply of power to meet the increasing demand of the growing economy.
According to Alhaji Kanja Sesay, his ministry is committed to charting a course towards a sustainable, resilient and energy sufficient future for all, adding that this is not just a national mission, but a mission of moral duty to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, low energy access, subsistence agriculture, unemployment and high rate of poverty.
The Energy Minister further stated that it was with a view to address this need that the Ministry had developed a multi-pronged approach, including diversification of energy sources, investment in modern infrastructure, and engagement with international partners and also capacity building.
He added that the current approach to energy transition and transformation does not stop at the need for base load power, and also recognizes the imperative to increase the efficiency of utilities and understand that private sector intervention can be a powerful catalyst in achieving these goals.
Dr Sesay also noted that public private partnership regulatory frameworks, technology integration and customer centric services were some of the strategies that had been devised and implemented to help enhance utility efficiency.
Minister Kanja Sesay concluded by saying that the success of the dialogue could be driven by all the collaborators and stakeholders’ commitment for a just and inclusive transition that ensures the benefits of all.