Government, through the Department of Energy and various stakeholders, is bolstering initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and conservation which in turn would save money.
Speaking at the 4th Energy Managers Workshop in Suva today, the Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities permanent secretary Mr Francis Kean said meeting the increasing demand for energy is a big challenge.
Mr Kean said it is vital to invest in renewable energy and to use energy in an optimal, efficient and effective manner.
“Energy is an opportunity. It transforms lives, economies and our planet. Without access to sustainable energy there can be no sustainable development. Sustainable energy provides new opportunities for economic growth. It enables businesses to grow, generate jobs and create new markets and more children can study after dark”, Mr Kean said.
He also highlighted the United Nations declaration of 2012 as the ‘International Year of Sustainable Energy For All’ saying that with sustainable energy, countries can progress over the limits of energy systems of the past and build clean energy economies for the future.
Mr Kean also added that all sectors of the society need to work together to ensure that the global target of achieving sustainable energy for all by 2013 is fulfilled.
“Fiji is highly dependent on fossil fuels and a significant amount of our import bill is spent on fossil fuel. In order to minimise our fuel import bill, several measures need to be put in place and one of these is through the implementation of energy conservation and efficiency measures.
“We also must educate our society that energy is a resource that needs to be used judiciously. There have been efforts made through Government to educate our people on the importance of energy and we will continue to do this. Saving energy is basically saving money,” the permanent secretary said.
He said fossil fuels will continue to play a dominant role in our energy mix for decades to come but the development and use of advanced and cleaner fossil fuel technologies should be increased.
“Even though Fiji’s per capita emission of green house gases is much lesser than those of the developed countries, in this age of climate change and as citizens of this global village, all of us have a role to play. Our efforts, no matter how small it may seem, is a unified and collective contribution towards a global initiative. Efficient use of energy itself is a mechanism for reducing global warming.
“We must encourage all to buy energy efficient products. Live and work in energy efficient buildings and enjoy an energy efficient lifestyle. With these simple efforts, we would all contribute to the environment and let us all continue to think globally and act locally.”