‘Energy can neither be created nor destroyed’…...but it can be affordable and clean.

​SDG 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
‘Energy can neither be created nor destroyed’. This is the law of conservation of energy; arguably one of the most revered laws of science. Determined to transform our world, the UN has also incorporated energy at the heart of its Sustainable Development Goals as SDG 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY.

SDG 7: What does it mean?
In a nutshell, SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. And by energy, it primarily refers to electricity. Under SDG 7, by 2030 the UN targets to:

• Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
• Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology
• Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries.

Why is SDG 7 important to the world?
Did you know?

• 20% of the world’s population still lack access to modern electricity.
• Almost half of the world’s population (40%) rely on wood, coal, charcoal or even animal waste for cooking and heating

You might be thinking ‘Well living without electricity is inconvenient, no internet or TV but those are not crucial to life. Surely there are bigger problems that the world needs to resolve.’These thoughts arise because the benefits of electricity have enveloped the modern world entirely that we often fail to appreciate the holistic impact it has on our lives. Without electricity, hospitals and clinics cannot store vaccines for patients. Without electricity, fishermen cannot preserve fish without salting. Without electricity, schoolchildren cannot do their homework at night. 
All sectors of modern life; be it business, medicine, education, agriculture, communications and technology, rely on a well-established energy system to prosper. A lack of access to an energy infrastructure hinders human and economic development. Universal access to electricity would provide new opportunities, empower communities, and alleviate global issues such as hunger and poverty.

Why is SDG7 important to Seychelles?
Large investment in Seychelles’ electricity infrastructure, means that 99% of the time on a 24/7 basis, our population enjoys a reliable and constant supply of electricity. So, why would SDG 7 be relevant to us? Simple. Energy produced from fossil fuels is the dominant contributor to climate change, accounting for around 60% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. With a growing world population, energy consumption is unlikely to reduce.  Climate change effects such as rising sea levels, coral bleaching, prolonged drought, are already having a detrimental impact on our livelihood and economy. SDG 7 is important to Seychelles as it encourages global investment in cleaner and more energy efficient technology. It leads towards the reduction in price and improvement in efficiency of renewable energy technology transforming it into a more economically viable investment for individuals, business and governments.

What actions are being taken in Seychelles towards this SDG?
At present, Seychelles is almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels to power the country. Aside from the moral obligation, it is imperative that we diversify our energy sources through renewable energy to reduce our heavy reliance on fossil fuels for our own energy security. The national target is to generate at least 15% of Seychelles total energy demand using renewable energy by 2030.
A multitude of projects are being implemented nationally to attain a sustainable energy system. A few of these projects are highlighted below.

• 6MW Port Victoria Wind Farm owned by PUC. The wind farm produces approximately 3% of Seychelles annual electricity consumption.
• 5MW Ile De Romainville Solar Park –PUC is investing in the installation of solar panels on the island which will contribute a further 2% of Mahe’s annual energy consumption.
• 4 MW floating PV farm in the Le Rocher Lagoon – This will be the first Independent Power Producer (IPP) venture. Once installed, the IPP will sell power to PUC for distribution.
• ‘UNDP-GEF-GOS project promoting rooftop grid-connected PV systems’ focuses on setting up the institutional and legal framework around PV, education and awareness campaigns among others.

• In the ‘Democratization of PV’ Project vulnerable households are being provided with rooftop PV systems to alleviate their electricity bill. To date, 24 households are benefitting from the programme and a further 400 households are expected to join;

• The ‘Solar School’ project promoted by UNDP-GEF provides schools with a PV system to contribute towards their electricity consumption.
• GOV-UNDP-GEF Resource Efficiency Project being implemented by Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC) is developing resource efficiency in the energy and water sector in Seychelles.

There are also continuous efforts from different partners such as PUC, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, SEC, NGOs and private sector in raising awareness on energy conservation, importing and promoting the use of energy efficient devices, conducting energy audits, amongst others.

What can you do to help?

• Switch off the light when you leave a room
• Unplug electrical appliances when not in use (It will decrease your electricity bill too)
• Walk instead of driving (It will save you time in traffic too)
• Change your light bulb to energy savers or use LEDs
• Invest in solar panels and/or solar lighting
• Spread the word and get involved in promoting the above

You may think your actions are insignificant but remember Mother Theresa’s words ‘You alone cannot change the world, but you can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”    

(Contributed by Kalsey Belle)
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