STATEMENT BY H.E. ARQ. SALVADOR PIRES MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
AT THE HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE ON ENERGY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENERGY RELATED GOALS AND TARGETS (SDG7) OF THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
76th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2021
Excellency the Secretary General of the United Nations
Excellency the President of the General Assembly
Excellency Chairman of the Assembly
Representatives of the Member States
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great honour to represent the Government of Timor-Leste participating in this High-Level Dialogue on Energy to share our progress, challenges and commitments towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal No.7.
The Government, led by His Excellency Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, is committed to continue improving electricity infrastructures and investing in renewable energy.
Timor-Leste has made significant progress in the electricity sector over the last eight years.
Firstly, Access to electricity has increased significantly. The 2018 World Bank data report shows that over 89% population has access to electricity. 85% of villages have been electrified and the remaining is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Secondly, The Government has invested significantly in improving the electricity infrastructures.
Over US$1.2 billion has been invested in the construction of power plants, substations, transmission and distribution lines.
A major institutional reform was introduced in 2020 to set up an autonomous public utility and a regulatory body with the aim to better manage and upgrade the electricity service.
Thirdly, the Government is committed to provide more reliable, affordable and sustainable energy in near future.
Besides the conversion of current diesel power plants to natural gas, the government is preparing a tender for 100 MW solar parks to supply more than half of the country’s current energy demand.
And, has conducted a feasibility study of surface water with a viability of 50 MW hydro-power. Remote areas will be powered through the use of individual home solar panel system and off grid mini solar parks. Thus, energy costs and CO2 omissions will be reduced significantly. Also, a further upgrade by digitalizing the existing distribution grid is being prepared to improve the power feed reliability.
Despite the progress, many challenges still remain,
Limited resources affect the efficiency and sustainability of the service.
The reliance on fossil fuel at present brings high financial and environmental consequences.
And, Covid-19 pandemic affects the sector’s development progress.
Nevertheless, the government is committed to,
Continuing to value regional and international partnerships in the efforts to achieve SDG No.7. Establishing an integrated energy investment plan to ensure that no one is left behind.
And, finally continue to endeavour all policies and investments directed towards supporting renewable and clean energy contributing to protecting our planet for future generation.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
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