The Mauritius Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities and the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea have signed an MoU to promote cooperation in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Ivan Collendavelloo, was present on this occasion.
The signatories were the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, Mrs N. Nababsing, and the Director General for Sustainable Development, Environment Damage, European Union and International Affairs, Mr F. La Camera.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the MoU provides for cooperation between Mauritius and Italy. It looks to intensify scientific research works, introducing new technologies and facilitating joint ventures in areas such as renewable energy technologies and strengthening of the electricity grid to accommodate renewable energy technologies. It also provides training and capacity building in energy efficiency, and exchange of knowledge and expertise.
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A joint Working Group, which will meet periodically in Mauritius and Italy, will be set up for coordination and follow-up of the MoU. The first project under the MoU will be the conversion of electrical irrigation pumps into solar pumps.
Renewable energy development
Mr La Camera expressed Italy’s interest to work together with the government of Mauritius and emphasized that the signing of this MoU is the first step in the right direction. He stressed that Italy will put all necessary resources and capabilities to be able to work with Mauritius towards fulfilling the latter’s ambitions in terms of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The Republic of Italy has also undertaken to co-finance the implementation of projects and activities under the MoU; setting aside US $2.5m for that purpose.
