Thank you, distinguished Co-Chair,
My delegation wishes to make a few comments with regard to Focus area 7 on Energy. We are in general supportive of the targets listed under this Focus area. However we are of the view that the urgency of renewable energy mix has to be emphasised especially in view of small island developing states like the Maldives that are threatened by the impacts of climate change. We cannot afford to wait until 2030. A substantial reduction on emissions caused by generating energy is required while at the same time an accelerated investment is made on clean and zero-emission energy technologies if SIDS are to see life in a new generation.
Secondly, we would like to see a target which addresses the issue of transfer of technology in energy. Many SIDS countries are spending huge amounts on fossil fuels as the only source of energy. In the Maldives, for example, we are currently spending 35% of its GDP on importing fossil fuels. Unless there is a substantial partnership created to high yielding technologies, we would not be able to reduce this overreliance on fossil fuels, no matter how ambitious programs countries like the Maldives has towards low-carbon development. I know Focus area 15 of the Co-chairs text on means of implementation/ global partnerships is expected to take care of these concerns. But my delegation does not regard the indication under technology transfer / increasing the technological capabilities actually captures this well enough.
Thirdly, I would like to comment on target (b) and (c) which talks about “doubling” the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix and the global rate of improvement of energy efficiency. We would like to question what the baseline would be in such a doubling figure.
I thank you Mr. Co-Chair.
