Poorer nations 'given energy help'

Dec 7 2012

People in some of the world's poorest countries will have better access to clean energy, thanks to a partnership between the Scottish Government and the United Nations.

Malawi and other nations are to benefit from work being done as part of the Sustainable Energy for All partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP)

This will provide sustainable energy to some of the most disadvantaged communities, such as power for cooking and lighting as well as small-scale manufacturing.

It comes after UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon invited Scotland to work with UNDP in March, praising the country's "deep commitment" to sustainable energy.

Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse had discussions with UNDP at the annual UN climate change conference in Qatar.

Afterwards the minister said Scotland "raised the bar with our commitment to act as an exemplar for community renewable projects both at home and internationally, and have already helped communities in Malawi and other countries develop ownership of community renewable energy schemes".

Mr Wheelhouse said: "As part of this new agreement, we'll capitalise on that good work with a toolkit to support some of the world's poorest communities develop their own renewable energy. UNDP currently has 1,500 community renewable energy projects, with everything from micro-hydro to cooking-stove initiatives. By partnering with them and sharing Scotland's expertise we can make a real difference to developing countries across the globe."

Dr Veerle Vandeweerd, UNDP's director of energy and environment, said: "Access to energy is critical to eradicating poverty and achieving millennium development goals. There are almost three billion people who rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating, and more than a billion without access to modern energy services. It is one of the most pressing global development challenges. UNDP welcomes the generous commitment of the Scottish Government to increasing access to clean and affordable energy and we look forward to working together."

The Scottish Government will draw on its experience of work in Scotland, Malawi and other countries to help with the development of community-based renewable energy schemes. By establishing a community basis for such projects, which can include wind, solar and other forms of green energy, people in some of the world's poorest countries can improve their livelihoods.

The Scottish Government has also agreed to provide two policy experts who will work with the government of Malawi to design a renewable energy and climate strategy for the country.