LocationsUNDP provides Solar energy- powered pumps in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan. Photo/UNDP
Khartoum, Sudan- 9 October 2019 - Resident Representative (RR) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Dr. Selva Ramachandran have met today with H.E. Minister of Energy and Mining, Mr. Adil Ali Ibrahim.
The Minister welcomed Dr. Selva and elaborated on the importance of renewable energy for Sudan, in particular in rural areas and further expressed interest in hearing about UNDP’s engagement in this field.
UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran with H.E. Minister of Energy and Mining, Mr. Adil Ali Ibrahim. Photo/UNDP
During the meeting, Dr. Selva briefed H.E. the Minister on UNDP’s various developmental interventions across Sudan. He highlighted UNDP’s inclusive developmental approach in the field of renewable energy and climate change. UNDP has been working on wind power generation in the Northern state, and solar for agriculture in Northern state, River Nile. He further explained how the solar for agriculture promotes the use of renewable energy and benefits the livelihood of people in rural areas. For example, promoting solar pump usage for irrigation is an innovative solution in addressing the high running cost for irrigation and at the same time, improving livelihoods of farmers.
In this regard, Dr. Selva discussed ways for scaling up solar energy for development through creation of a national solar fund for development. He also discussed with the Minister ways in mobilizing different funding instruments in this direction.
For his part, the Minister of Energy and Mining commended efforts exerted by UNDP for social and economic development in Sudan and highlighted the need for more collaboration during this transitional period. He further stressed that the Government of Sudan is committed to expanding the application of solar energy in Sudan and reiterated its importance for use in rural areas.
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For more information, please contact Ms. Yusra Salim, UNDP Communications Analyst via Email : yusra.salim@undp.org
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