- There has been a call for more investments in alternative energy sources to enhance socio-economic growth in rural communities across the globe by 2030.
- This call was made by Mr. Tonye Cole, the Executive Director, Sahara Group. He told participants at a meeting dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals during the on-going 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- He said that action is required in that regard. Cole, who represented Sahara Group- a leading African energy, power and infrastructure conglomerate – on the advisory board of the Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDG-F) advised governments in developing nations on need to explore more partnership platforms with the private sector in the quest for alternative energy sources.
“Substantial investments are required to achieve affordable and sustainable energy in developing nations. Wind and solar energy are possible options that can be harnessed in rural communities where consumption is relatively low. With the right strategy and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders, we will be setting solid foundations for deploying alternative energy sources to transform lives and small businesses for disadvantaged communities across the globe,” Cole explained.
- Mr. Cole said governments and power companies need to collaborate on sensitizing the populace on the value chain of the power sector to ensure support for policies as well as address incidences of energy losses and theft that disrupt energy availability in developing nations.
- Delegates at the meeting were unanimous in urging the development of location specific action plans as the world seeks to achieve SDG 7.