Scotland's Renewable Energy Blog

 Government will  help ‘increase quality of life in a sustainable way’

Speaking after TEDGlobal 2012 – the summer conference of the nonprofit organisation bringing together people from technology, entertainment and design to come up with ideas worth spreading – the First Minister announced that Scotland is to help Malawi build a renewable energy policy which will address climate change and put Malawi on the path to ‘green growth’.

In Malawi 93 percent of the population do not have access to electricity.  Through this initiative Scotland will help Malawi extend access to electricity across the nation – and to do so in a sustainable way that does not add to carbon emissions.

The initiative comes further to Scotland championing ‘climate justice’ and UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, praising Scotland’s “deep commitment” to sustainable energy and inviting Scotland to deepen its international engagement on the UN’s sustainable energy Sustainable Energy for All initiative – which aims to ensure universal access to modern energy services and double the share of renewables in the global energy mix by 2030.

Mr Salmond said:

“Scotland is leading the way in tackling climate change and developing a low carbon economy and that role has been recognised by the United Nations Secretary General.  Our commitment and expertise in the areas of renewable energy and climate change are an important element of Scotland’s contribution to the world and to international development in particular.

“Much of the region of Chikhwawa in Malawi did not have electricity until a programme led by Strathclyde University, funded by Scottish Government, installed a solar energy system.  Now school buildings have lighting and power sockets allowing studying in the evening and its health post now has refrigeration allowing vaccines to be stored more effectively.

“We will work with the Government of Malawi to help extend electricity provision from test areas such as Chikhwawa.  Experts in climate change and renewable energy from the Scottish Government will work with Malawian officials to help develop their energy and climate change policy – helping increase quality of life in a sustainable way.

“Providing this support is an important step forward in our relationship with Malawi.  It demonstrates that partnership with countries like Malawi is more than just about financial aid but also about building capacity and sharing our learning and expertise with those that need it the most.”