THERE is need to address energy imbalances between developed and developing countries while raising levels of utilisation and consumption, President Paul Kagame has said. Kagame made the call today while addressing the World Energy Forum 2012 currently underway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. “We should encourage investment in technologies that will make African countries modernise faster. Equally urgent is to make technologies that produce renewable energy that is easily accessible and affordable,” said Kagame. The global forum hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai is the first to take place outside the headquarters of the United Nations (UN). President Kagame stated that in Rwanda, there is increasing generation of electric power from hydro, geothermal sources and from the methane gas. The three-day high level conference has brought together over 2000 delegates,including several Heads of State, scores of national energy ministers, and top leaders from the energy industry among others. The UN has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. At the Forum, leaders from member states of the UN, international organisations, and corporations will seek tangible progress towards cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy as well as achieving universal access to modern energy services. The conference aims at charting a roadmap for a sustainable energy mix that can fuel global economic and social development. It provides a unique opportunity to exchange new ideas on global energy issues from the perspectives of policy, technology, and business. frank.kanyesigye@newtimes.co.rw
