New Zealand Strengthens Energy Cooperation with Kiribati

EU and New Zealand Strengthen Energy Cooperation with Kiribati

European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully today signed a trilateral Declaration of Cooperation on Energy with the Government of Kiribati

"This agreement is an important milestone for reforming the energy sector in Kiritimati into a sustainable, long-lasting and clean basis for development", Commissioner Piebalgs said.

"We expect that the effects of this programme, which we will jointly implement in partnership with New Zealand and the Government of Kiribati, will be far-reaching, facilitating economic development and trade, as well as improve the livelihoods of the people of Kiritimati".

Minister McCully agreed saying “this agreement paves the way for developing lasting solutions to energy challenges on Kiritimati Island.

“The island's energy sector faces issues in delivering and maintaining a reliable and sustainable electricity service. Kiritimati relies almost exclusively on imported diesel fuel for electricity generation.

This agreement will provide for closer alignment and technical cooperation on energy projects in Kiritimati Island, and aims to create greater energy security and efficiency.”

The joint programme aims to strengthen the energy sector in Kiritimati, by integrating actions to boost renewable energy and energy efficiency and to build the capacity of relevant organisations and public bodies to sustain the benefits of all actions for the benefit of the Kiribati people.

(ENDS)

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