DILI, 28 september 2021 (TATOLI)– Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Public Work (MOP), Salvador dos Reis Pires representing the country participating in a High-Level Dialogue on the implementation of the energy related goals and targets (sdg7) of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals.
Addressing the dialogue, Minister Salvador Pires has highlighted the significant progress that has been achieving by Timor-Leste in the electricity sector over the last eight years.
There is a significant increase in the number of the population access to electricity;” Earlier data report from the World Bank shows that over 89% of the population has accessed to electricity, 85% of villages have been electrified and the remaining is expected to be completed by the end of 2023,”
The Government has invested significantly in improving the electricity infrastructures;” Over US$1.2 billion has been invested in the construction of power plants, substations, and transmission and distribution lines. A major institutional reform was introduced in 2020 to set up an autonomous public utility and a regulatory body with the aim to better manage and upgrade the electricity service.
At the same time, he said, Government is committed to providing more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy in near future. “The conversion of current diesel power plants to natural gas, the government is preparing a tender for 100 MW solar parks to supply more than half of the country’s current energy demand,”
The feasibility study of surface water with a viability of 50 MW hydropower has also been conducted. Remote areas will be powered through the use of individual home solar panel systems and off-grid mini solar parks.
“Thus, energy costs and CO2 emissions will be reduced significantly. Also, a further upgrade by digitalizing the existing distribution grid is being prepared to improve the power feed reliability,” Salvador Outlined in his statement the dialogue which was posted on the MoP official pages.
According to Mr. Pires, despite the many consequences undergoing by this country, The Government is committed to continuing to value the partnerships in the efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal no.7 by establishing an integrated energy investment plan to ensure that no one is left behind.
“Despite much progress has been made, many challenges remain, the government is committed to, Continuing to value regional and international partnerships in the efforts to achieve SDG No.7. Establishing an integrated energy investment plan to ensure that no one is left behind and continue to endeavor all policies and investments directed towards supporting renewable and clean energy contributing to protecting our planet for future generation” he added.
Relevant News:http://www.tatoli.tl/en/2021/09/23/mopw-to-participate-in-un-high-level-dialogue-on-energy/
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Nelia Borges
