Luanda - Statements of the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, made on Wednesday (20 July), to the press, in Benguela province, after the inauguration of two photovoltaic plants in Biópio and Baía Farta.
JOURNALIST (RNA) - The Angolan government is investing heavily in increasing the country's energy production capacity. With these investments, when will it be possible to have an effective supply of electricity to all the people of the country, within the expectations of the Angolan State?
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC (PR) - Well, we are working towards electrifying the country over the next four/five years, using various sources of energy production, preferably environmental friendly ones, particularly hydroelectric power production, which is already happening. Therefore, we have the Capanda and Laúca dams... the Caculo Cabaça dam is under construction and we have another binational hydroelectric plant in the pipeline. So, I am referring to Baynes on the Cunene River, which will produce energy to be consumed partly by Angola and partly by the neighbouring Republic of Namibia. So, that's talking about hydroelectric power.
Currently, we combine the production of hydroelectric energy and the production of energy from sources that are polluting. Therefore, diesel generators, which are not only economically unprofitable, since they consume a lot of fuel, a lot of diesel, but mainly because they are polluting, that is, harmful to the environment.
Therefore, the bet is to gradually get rid of these polluting sources. The gains are for the Environment, but also for the State's coffers.
From now on, starting with this first experience of photovoltaic energy production, which is happening here in Benguela Province, with the Biópio and Baía Farta parks, we will continue to combine two different sources of energy production, with the difference that photovoltaic energy will replace thermal energy.
The investment is big! Seven projects are underway and many others are planned for the rest of the country, especially in the south and east of our country, which is one of the least electrified. It is an investment that will pay off. It seems like a lot of money, but it will end up paying off and we will feel that in a very short time. In three, four years, we will feel that not only the environment will thank us, but also the State coffers will thank us.
TV ZIMBO - Mr. President, how does the Government intend to take advantage of this increase in power to attract private investment, both national and foreign?
PR - Well, the objective of the electrification of the country is not only to serve the citizens, guaranteeing energy to their homes, but also to create the conditions for the so much desired industrialisation of our country. And, as you know, there can be no industrialisation without energy. Energy is a fundamental condition for the country to industrialise. Over time, we have been complaining that our raw materials are exported raw, they are not transformed locally, they do not leave local wealth, they do not provide employment, because we export our raw materials raw. So, if there is an abundance of energy, at least there is no longer an excuse. There will be no lack of energy and the investors that want to invest in the different industries will have this essential good for the functioning of any industry, which is energy.
TPA - My question goes to the commitment made by the President at the last COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, where you clearly stated that Angola would increase the production of renewable energy by 2025. Are we closer to achieving this goal with the inauguration of these two plants in Benguela?
PR - I believe so. Until 2025 we have three years and that is, more or less, the execution time, not only for the conclusion of these seven projects that are under way, but also for the start up and development of the others that I have just mentioned.
