The participants at a panel discussion on the second day of the 140th Assembly of International Parliamentary Union, yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Renewable energies can play crucial role in ending energy poverty from different parts of the world. Making renewable energies affordable will connect more people with electricity, said participants in the panel discussion on how parliaments can help to end energy poverty through access to renewable energies, on the second day of the 140th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly.
A Motter, Mario Socorro Manguiat, F N Gonzalez Diaz, E Thiombiano and A Gryffroy participated in the discussion titled ‘Ending energy poverty through access to renewable energies and inclusive policies: How can parliaments help?’.
Speakers said that around 1.1 billion people did not have access to power grid at the end 2017 and if it remains business as usual than around 600 million people will not have access to electricity by 2040. High energy cost and low income are the main factors behind energy poverty.
They added that parliaments can play an important role on the matter through legislations that ensure energy accessibility. They can also confirm the implementation of these legislations which will enable these countries to achieve incomes that will improve their economic situation.
The participants highlighted the role that renewable energies, such as solar panels and wind power, can play especially in those remote areas.
Affordable access to energy services enables people to fulfil their potential while enhancing social inclusion.
It promotes employment opportunities, supports the provision of social services, and helps realise the transition to the green economy.
Corresponding to one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Goal 7, energy promotes sustainable and inclusive human development.
The current energy system, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, is both unsustainable and highly inequitable.
Solutions to end energy poverty exist. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass are becoming more affordable relative to fossil fuels. Off-grid, portable energy solutions that can be scaled up, and new technologies to improve the energy efficiency in manufacturing, agriculture and service industries, as well as in transport and construction, are generally more accessible. The problem, particularly in developing countries, most often comes down to one of financing and technology transfers.
During the session they reviewed the experiences of various countries which used many technological solutions to deliver energy to many of the poor areas. They also used the energy in many fields such as lighting and desalination for irrigation and other uses.
