Chairperson, Conference Organising Committee, Professor M. T. Oladiran
The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) will be hosting the International Conference on Clean Energy for Sustainable Growth In Developing Countries in September 16th to 18th, 2015 at Majestic Five Hotel in Palapye, Botswana under the theme; Trends in Energy Service Provision for Sustainable Development.
Speaking at the Press briefing in Gaborone, Chairperson, Conference Organising Committee, Professor M. T. Oladiran, highlighted that “Energy is not usually emphasised during various stages of projects delivery.
The impact of uncontrolled energy use is manifested in its severe negative impact on the environment; cost non-availability and non-affordability” adding that when energy provision is not sustainable then health, safety, comfort, productivity, education delivery and general standard of living are also compromised.
Prof Oladiran expounded that “effective clean energy must be planned and introduced pragmatically and energy culture must also be developed and nurtured”.
He explained that the objectives of the Conference is to bring together professionals, academics, researchers, industrialists and policy-makers engaged in the assessment, design, service provision, mainstreaming and maintenance of clean energy systems. “The expectation is for them to share knowledge, experiences, practical examples and sustainable practices on the conference theme” he said.
It is envisaged that the conference will foster links and networks between public and private practitioners and the academe on clean energy issues and will create opportunities for collaboration on sustainable development of energy projects and services.
In giving closing remarks, Director of the Department of Energy, Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kenneth Kerekang noted that although Botswana is committed, “unfortunately in terms of renewables, satisfactory achievements have not been reached yet”, highlighting that “currently renewables contribute one percent to the total energy supply, but we can plan that by 2030, it should contribute 15 percent”.
“Government has undertaken several initiatives which include the expression of interest for 100 megawatts”, he said. He noted that the conference would provide an opportunity for networking, sharing and refining the draft energy policy to be presented to Parliament in November.
The Conference has attracted several partnerships and sponsors from Government, Parastals and private entities such as the Department of Energy under the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Botswana Innovation Hub, Botswana Ash, Botswana Development Corporation, Wood logic, ABB, SPEDU, Botswana Power Corporation and BCL. (BIUST)
