COMESA – China to Partner on Improving Clean Renewable Energy in Member States
Hangzhou: 9th July: China, through the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) and the International Center on Small Hydro Power under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, is hosting a 14-day seminar on clean energy and industrialization capacity building for Eastern and Southern Africa. Over thirty energy experts from COMESA Member States have convened. The objective is not only capacity building and knowledge exchange but also a milestone for practical cooperation between China and COMESA.
The seminar is being held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
In his opening remarks, Professor Geoffrey M. Aori thanked the International Center on Small Hydro Power for its hospitality and pioneering role in China’s brain development and industrial innovation. He emphasized the significance of the seminar in showcasing how clean energy drives industrial transformation and high-quality economic development in the province.
Professor Aori highlighted that the COMESA region faces inherent challenges and weak energy infrastructure, compounded by low energy levels, regional energy connectivity issues, mismatches between energy supply and industrial demand, and a shortage of professional talents and energy management and industrial development expertise.
“With hydropower, solar and wind energy as its primary sources, the COMESA region is poised to harness the potential of renewable energy to address these challenges and foster sustainable economic growth. These bottlenecks have restricted the peace of industrial upgrading and inclusive growth in our region. In contrast, China’s achievements and proven path in clean development and industrial empowerment offer a practical reference point” he noted.
Professor Aori recognized China’s extensive experience in regional energy, interconnection, standard system development, and training, which has fostered a corporate model for providing technical support, project demonstrations, and capacity building.
In her remarks, the Deputy Director of International Cooperation and Training, Ms. Shang Cheng, emphasized that COMESA has made remarkable achievements in promoting regional integration and advancing green energy transition. As China, we have accumulated rich experience in promoting global small hydro power development and implementing the Lighting of Africa projects, maintaining close partnerships in the region.
It is precisely on the basis of shared goals and missions that the three parties have collaborated to organize this training program.
Deputy Director of the International Centre on Small Hydro Power, Ms. Huang Yan, underscored the development of clean energy and the establishment of a reliable and inclusive energy system are fundamental to industrialization, improving people’s livelihoods, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
