5th West African Clean Energy & Environment Exhibition & Conference September 2016 Accra International Conference Centre

Transcription

1 Speech delivered by Ambassador Christoph Retzlaff, on September 13, th West African Clean Energy & Environment Exhibition & Conference 5th West African Clean Energy & Environment Exhibition & Conference September 2016 Accra International Conference Centre Address by the German Ambassador, H.E. Christoph Retzlaff Deputy Minister (John Abu Jinapor, Ministry of Power), Hon. Members of Parliament Excellencys Ladies and Gentlemen Also from my side a warm welcome to the 5 th West African Clean Energy & Environment Exhibition and Conference 2016! This is the fifth WACEE conference and I am proud to say that WACEE has become a real brand name. I congratulate the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Accra and its partners on this success! 1

2 Ladies and gentlemen, we all know the simple truth: The global economy and global growth must become more sustainable. The growing energy needs of rapidly growing and developing countries like Ghana cannot be covered by fossil fuels alone for decades to come. Solar power, wind, biomass, waste recycling these are the solutions of the future. Ghana has an ample supply that is waiting to be tapped Ghana currently considers its energy strategy to meet the urgent needs of the immediate future but also to provide power beyond the short-term necessities of today. In 2011 Germany has taken the strategic decision to change course in energy politics we call it the Energiewende the energy turn. Since then, we have already gone a long way to substantially reduce CO² emissions and to phase out nuclear energy. As our experience shows, renewable energy development is an endeavour of continued learning and progress. It poses considerable challenges. But it works: On 8 May 2016, at 11 am in the morning, 95 percent of Germany's power demands were met by renewable 2

3 energy sources. Quite an achievement for one of the most industrialised nations in the world. Our own experience means that we have manifold solutions to offer to make energy supply also in Ghana more reliable and sustainable. The German Government is supporting the Government of Ghana on its way towards renewable energy development. Renewable energy indeed is an important part of our development cooperation with Ghana. GiZ and KfW support a number of projects. The Joint Ghanaian- German Programme Capacity for a Successful Implementation of the Renewable Energy Act has been launched in This programme has recently facilitated the first competitive international tender for a 20 MW solar plant in Ghana. Through the Renewable Energy Programme, Germany through KfW supports the Volta River Authority with 23 million Euro to develop a 12 MW Pilot Photovoltaic System in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Additionally, another EUR 15 Mio have been committed by the German Government for investments in Renewable Energies. 3

4 Ladies and gentlemen, Let me briefly raise another important topic: The sound recycling of electronic waste. The sad sight of children working in Agbobgloshie dismantling old TV sets became the UNICEF photo of the year. In the middle of Accra, people work under unbearable conditions and cause tremendous harm to themselves and the environment. Fortunately we can finally tackle the catastrophic environmental consequences: I would like to congratulate the Government of Ghana on passing the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Law, which will translate the relevant Basel convention (on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal) into national law. With this legislation, Ghana is the frontrunner in Africa. It will also serve as the framework for our German-Ghanaian engagement. Germany is known worldwide for its recycling practices and for recycling technology developed in our country. My Government has pledged 5 Mio. Euro on a programme focussed on improving working conditions for workers dismantling electronic waste and establishing a collection centre. Further, we intend to pledge another 20 Mio. to 4

5 the electronic waste recycling facility of the Government of Ghana. Together we can decrease the environmental damage and improve the livelihood of many. Ladies and gentlemen, in concluding I am proud to tell you that once again WACEE hosts an official German Pavilion a so called Made in Germany -Pavilion. 11 German companies use the facilities of this pavilion. WACEE is the first and only trade fair in Western and Central Africa to host a Made in Germany Pavilion. I would like to use this opportunity to thank all partners who help making this conference and exhibition a success. WACEE is supported by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, GIZ, the Konrad Adenauer-Foundation and the state chancery of the German state of North Rhine Westphalia. I wish you all a successful WACEE And I hope to see you again at the next WACEE. 5