The Samoa Energy Sector logo was unveiled on Thursday by the Secretary of the National Energy Coordination Committee (N.E.C.C.), Leasiosiofa’asisina Oscar Malielegaoi.

Addressing officials of the various government ministries that play a part in the N.E.C.C., Leasiosiofa’asisina said the logo is a milestone that sums up Samoa’s energy goals.

“I am happy to announce a milestone, the identification of the Energy Sector through the Energy Logo. The logo is basically a summary of the energy goals. It’s in fact a true demonstration of Sustainable Energy in Samoa," he said during the keynote speech that opened the meeting.

He explained the various parts of the logo, a compound of six images: the sun, a house, a chimney, a road, a plug, a green leaf and a drop of water.

The sun, said Leasiosiofa’asisina illustrates the main source of energy and the house depicts solar roofing and energy efficient housing.

The chimney of the house is a wind turbine, the road depicts energy efficient transportation and the plug represents all electrical appliances connected to the natural source – the sun.

The drop of water is seen on the tip of the leaf and depicts hydro power.

The green leaf illustrates the environment. 

“All the work that we’re doing adds up [to] a clean and green environment for all,” Leasiosiofa’asisina said.

He told participants their presence at the two day meeting or workshop “is a clear manifestation of the importance your respective Organizations attach to the agenda and objectives of this gathering".

The two-day meeting aimed to provide a productive and insightful discussion for all participants.

“It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Chairman of the National Energy Coordination Committee, to extend a warm welcome to all our Distinguished Guests, Participants, Partners, Speakers, and students from the various schools who have come to participate in this event, marking the Sustainable Energy Awareness program for Samoa, for 2021,” Leasiosiofa’asisina said.

“The issue of Energy, Innovation, and Sustainable Development are some of the most pressing concerns of our time. With the rapid pace of economic growth and development around the globe, including in small island states like Samoa, it is becoming increasingly difficult to strike a balance between our energy needs of today and our long term goals of protecting the environment for our future generations.” 

Sustainable energy systems are crucial to the development of Samoa, he said. 

“Sustainable Energy Systems, and Energy Efficiency are critical to sustainable development. Our population is growing. From the last census conducted in October 2020, we have now, for the first time crossed the 200,000 mark. We now have a population of 215,000 people and still growing, which means the demand for energy will continue to increase. It is therefore important for us to improve energy efficiency to extend and expand access to electricity through sustainable means,” said Leasiosiofa’asisina. 

“Against this backdrop, the Energy Sector is a key priority for Samoa, and is one of the Key Outcomes in the Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) with a focus on ensuring Sustainable and Affordable Energy Supply for All through the achievement of the 5 Long-Term Outcomes as outlined in the Samoa Energy Sector Plan 2017-2022.”

The theme of the meeting was “Energy Conservation – a country-wide motivation”, aimed at bringing together key stakeholders and development partners.

The event was held to raise public awareness on the roles and responsibilities, and mandates of the different agencies operating under the Energy Management Act 2020.

The commemoration of the Sustainable Energy Awareness 2021 today, with the theme “Energy Conservation – a country-wide motivation”, brings together key stakeholders, including Development Partners who have generously supported our sustainable and renewable energy roadmap,” Leasiosiofa’asisina said.

“The 2-day event will raise public awareness on the roles and responsibilities, and mandates of the different Agencies operating under the Energy Management Act 2020. Participants will have the chance to listen to a very diversified range of speakers and their presentations and ask questions.” 

The Awareness Program will become an annual event for both Upolu (June) and Savai’ (October),” he said. 

Copies of the Sector Plan Medium Term Review 2017/2019 were available at the meeting.