Pacific Energy Ministers endorse regional framework

SPC press release

Pacific Energy Ministers endorse regional framework

Wednesday, 6 April 2011, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Noumea, New Caledonia - Pacific Energy Ministers have endorsed the Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific (FAESP) and its associated implementation plan.

Energy security in Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) exists when all people at all times have access to sufficient sustainable sources of clean and, affordable energy and services to enhance their social and economic well-being.

The Ministers approved the framework and implementation plan at a special session of the inaugural joint Regional Meeting of Ministers for Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Transport at the headquarters of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Noumea, New Caledonia.

The FAESP outlines a new approach to improving energy security in the Pacific region. It acknowledges that national energy policies and plans must be the principle means for achieving energy security and promotes a 'whole-of-sector' approach, based on the concept of 'many partners - one team'. It was designed to provide guidance to PICTs to enhance their national efforts to achieve energy security and, in line with the principles of the Pacific Plan, to clarify how regional services can assist countries and territories to develop and implement their national plans.

The FAESP was formulated in response to the call from Pacific Leaders at the 40th Pacific Islands Forum in Cairns (August 2009) for greater energy security.

In his address to the Ministers today, Solomone Fifita, the Deputy Director (Energy) of SPC's Economic Development Division noted that both the framework and implementation plan would be living documents to ensure they can be revised in response to changing priorities or circumstances in the sector.

The meeting was an opportunity to examine strategic engagements to address the challenges to the energy security of the PICTs during a time when the price of oil has exceeded USD 100 per barrel, a situation that seems likely to last for the foreseeable future.

The joint Regional Meeting of Ministers for Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Transport ends on Friday.

ENDS

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