VP Koung Urges Global Action Over Words for Liberia’s Renewable Energy at Africa Energy Forum
By: Sylvester Choloplay
Barcelona, Spain – June 27, 2024: Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is pushing his country’s case on behalf of H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) in Barcelona, Spain.
Vice President Koung has called for the urgent need on renewable energy development to address African countries rich in natural resources with energy deficiency.
Representing President Joseph Boakai, Koung pointed out the importance of public and private sector collaboration in tackling these challenges.
Koung acknowledged the role of renewable energy in reducing climate change, referencing the Paris Climate Agreement’s target to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.
He said Africa, despite contributing the least to global emissions, suffers the most severe consequences of climate change.
The Vice President, therefore, called for increased investment in renewable energy, noting the United Nations’ estimate of needing $4 trillion annually until 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Liberia’s renewable energy potential is promising, with favorable conditions for solar and hydropower projects.
Koung outlined plans for a 25-megawatt solar farm and a 16-megawatt SCATEC solar project, aiming to prevent power blackouts during dry seasons.
Additionally, Liberia is targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with hydropower development being a crucial component of this strategy.
Koung mentioned Liberia’s efforts to create a conducive environment for private sector participation, including liberalizing the power sector and establishing an independent electricity regulatory body.
The Liberian Senior Executive-invited private investors to join in the development of the St Paul River hydropower project through public-private partnerships, stressing the mutual benefits of such collaborations.
In conclusion, the Liberian Vice President called for action over words, urging global and regional partners to invest in renewable energy projects that will not only benefit Liberia but also contribute to global climate goals.
Spain is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its energy and climate change policies.
The conference started June 25, 2024 and expected to climax June 28, 2024.
