Stakeholders discuss fossil fuel phase out

By Kingsley Jassi: 

A global initiative to phase out the use of fossil fuels had Malawian stakeholders discuss the issue of energy transition, which they say will require heavy investments in renewable energy sources.

Fossil Fuels Non- Proliferation Treaty, a global campaign, facilitated the stakeholders’ engagement in Lilongwe on Thursday ahead of Malawi’s policy stance.

According to their local partner, Coordination Union for Rehabilitation of the Environment (Cure), the discussions aimed to feed into the National Energy Policy, which is currently under review.

Ministry of Energy Director of Liquid Fuels and Gases Joseph Kalowekamo said the conversation came at the “right time” as the government reviews the energy policy.

He was quick to say the country already has the majority of energy coming from renewable sources such as water.

Kalowekamo added that growing energy demand pressured the country into exploring other sources, citing coal.

“We, as a country, have to make a decision on whether to remain with hydro and other clean energy sources or get into dirty sources like coal,” Kalowekamo said.

Principal Secretary for Energy Alfonso Chikuni had acknowledged, during the opening of the event that proponents of a “bold proposal” for a legally binding Fossil Fuel Treaty had presented it as a key mechanism for securing the financial and technical support that countries like Malawi need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Cure Executive Director Charles Mkoka said he hoped that the government would take heed of issues raised and ensure a clean environment that is spared from climate change-related disasters that have ravaged the economy recently.

“The engagement comes at the right time when climate change has caused devastation. We hope the views will be incorporated into the new policy,” Mkoka said.

The initiative’s head of Africa campaigns and advocacy, Seble Samuel, said global extraction of fossil fuels was rising unsustainably, posing climate change concerns—with developing countries under greater risk.