Powering Energy Access… Sierra Leone Media Joins Energy Revolution
By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
As a way of empowering journalists of Sierra
Leone with information on access to energy revolution, 25 media houses were
trained in a day workshop on decentralized solar technologies.
Journalists and Power for All staff looking ahead for better energy access |
The training which
took place on September 21st at the Hub hotel in Freetown was first of its kind
as Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors Donald Theo-Harding, Editors and
Reporters were in attendance.
The workshop
facilitated by the Renewable Energy Advisor to the President of Sierra Leone
Serry-Kamal was held to provide the press with more information on
decentralized renewable technologies-including solar, mini-grids and micro
hydro-which will help to address the energy needs of the country.
Power for All
Campaign Leader, Aminata Dumbuya, informed the Press that the Sierra Leone
Energy Revolution has provided an important way to catalyze clean energy access
in the country, and it is fantastic to see the media get behind the initiative.
"By working together and raising
awareness on the potentials of decentralized 'renewables' we can give
communities across the country the vital opportunity to switch from expensive
batteries, torches and generators to more affordable, safe and cleaner
power."
She went further to
state that switching from expensive battery powered torches and kerosene to
solar lighting in Sierra Leone will save the country's residents $105 million
per year, whilst larger decentralized renewable products can be used to power
enterprises, health services, schools and agriculture.
The training in full session |
"Sierra Leone
Energy Revolution aims to enable families across the country to access clean
energy services, including solar lights and home systems. Projects to power
communities, hospitals and schools via micro hydro plants and solar mini-grids
are also underway."
Other speakers
include: Dr Kelleh Mansaray, Head of United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO) in Sierra Leone who made a presentation on the global
transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy. Kelvin Johnston, Renewable
Energy Advisor at PRESSD, made a presentation on the organisation's schools
campaign which is enabling communities to buy clean solar power.
Robin Mansaray,
Director of Renewables at the Ministry of Energy, made a presentation on the
government's work to accelerate energy access by including decentralized
renewables into the energy mix.
The workshop also
provides an opportunity for the media to ask questions about the Sierra Leone
Energy Revolution which was launched on 10thMay 2016.
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