A call has been made by a regional body for Samoa to look into getting electric cars and electric buses to offset the use of fossil fuel and lean more towards renewable energy.

The first ever Energy Week started yesterday and Samoa’s intent to become fully reliant on renewable energy by 2050 was once again reminded to participants.

The week-long event will have government and the private sector get together and moot ideas and review the Samoa Energy Sector Plan 2017-2022.

Minister for Finance Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o in her keynote address said it is an opportunity to identify the gaps and challenges to assist with the development of the next Energy Sector Plan.

“Another event will be the “Sustainable Energy Investment Forum”, this is an opportunity to learn about the different projects that are currently implemented in Samoa and investment opportunities and technical assistance available for Samoa,” she said.

“Each one of us has an important role to play in promoting various energy aspects. Obviously, the Government cannot do this alone. All of us need to make a sensible effort to embrace energy efficient practices and products.”

The minister said sustainable energy for all was a national cause.  

“We hope for very fruitful discussions and dialogue throughout this week’s events, to further enhance Samoa’s Transition to Sustainable Energy,” she added.

Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Sefanaia Nawadra said going towards renewable energy was needed.

He said electric cars and buses should be Samoa’s next approach and this has to be achieved within the next five to 10 years.

He said Pacific nations call for the change in dropping the global warming rates but need to do their part in achieving this.

“During COP27, he had a joint call, 1.5 to stay alive. It is a simple message. This also means effort from all of us. We need to control emission so that we do not exceed the 1.5 mark that we have set for ourselves,” he said.

He warned that Pacific island nations needed to change to renewable energy as soon as possible.

He said celebration for Energy Week was quite timely as the COP27 had just finished and there was need as Pacific states to do something about saving neighbour nations like Marshall Islands and Kiribati who were on the verge of losing their land and culture.

 Samoa has committed itself to be totally reliant on renewable energy by 2050 which would mean ending its reliance on fossil fuel. The conversion to hydro-powered generators has started saving the nation millions which was used to buy fuel for the generators.