Monday 22 September 2014

EU boosts sustainable energy ties with Africa

The European Commission is to co-sign joint declarations in New York today to boost its co-operation on sustainable energy with five African countries.

The agreements with Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Togo and Rwanda will aim to increase access to sustainable energy sources, especially in rural areas.

The Commission plans to provide around €2 billion (£1.6bn) for energy projects in Africa through 2020.

European Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, who is currently in New York for the UN Climate Summit said: "Without energy, factories cannot function, schools cannot be lighted up and families cannot cook and this is a situation that many people are still facing today. But it is equally important that sustainable energy sources are promoted first and foremost.

“These declarations are a clear sign of the political commitment of all co-signatories that we want to work together and achieve faster progress in ensuring access to sustainable energy for all.”