The workshop consisted of several presentations and exhibitions where various projects were showcased in line with the theme. The exhibitions were created in an informal setting to enable the exhibitors to interact informally with the delegates.
During the workshop, the Namibia Energy Institute (NEI) highlighted the use of renewable energy technologies that offer a ray of hope to developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where millions of people long for universal access to adequate modern energy services.
The Deputy Director of Energy in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Daniel Zaire, provided an overview of the resources in Namibia and said: “Modern energy unlocks access to improved quality of life, and our country has enormous potential for cleaner energy namely solar, wind, biomass and natural gas. However, having potential is not enough. Potential does not light a bulb. Green, efficient, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy generation, transmission and distribution processes are needed.”
Another key presentation was given by the Innovation Design Lab, titled “Namibian Solar Electric Utility Vehicle (NSEUV): An environmental friendly solution.” The NSEUV is a multidisciplinary applied innovation project which aims to mitigate the African society’s impact on climate change. Delegates were impressed by the detailed demonstration of how the vehicle operates with the use of solar energy.
The ACP-EU JPA was created out of the desire to bring together the elected representatives of the European Community - Members of the European Parliament, and the elected representatives of the ACP Member States that have signed the Cotonou Agreement which aims to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty.