African Union conference focuses on Iceland and renewable energy

A conference on the development of renewable energy in Africa and the co-operation between Iceland and African states opened today at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa. The African Union has followed up on the interest of individual member countries to further this co-operation.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Gudni Johannesson, Director General for The Icelandic National Energy authority. Other speakers included Alemayehu Tegenu Ethiopian Minister of Mines & Energy, Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim Commisioner for Infrastructure & Energy and Ambassador Svavar Gestsson, the special representative of the Icelandic Foreign Minister to the African Union.

The conference was well attended due to the great interest in matters regarding the development of renewable energy in Africa as well as the co-operation with Iceland. This is particularly true because of Iceland´s involvement in the construction of a 50 megawatt geothermal energy plant known as the Djiboutiproject.

In his speech, Dr. Johannesson discussed the world´s energy situation and the prospects of the development of renewable energy, particularly in Africa.

Ambassdor Gestsson thanked the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, for his leadership in developing the co-operation with Iceland.