Patrick Assirvaden: "Turning the Page on Delays and Building a Resilient Energy Mix"

Patrick Assirvaden, the Minister of Energy and Public Services, discusses the current state of water and electricity supply. He emphasizes that concrete measures are being taken to avert immediate crises but also to ensure a transition to renewable energy. He acknowledges the challenges faced in the power sector, inherited from a decade of stagnation where little was done to enhance production capacity. The aging infrastructure, particularly with many generators over 30 years old, has led to significant issues, such as prolonged outages when equipment fails.

During a recent energy campaign launch, simultaneous failures of generators from independent power producers (IPPs) and Fort George forced the government to issue a yellow alert. Fortunately, repairs were promptly made. Assirvaden credits the public and private sector's support in mitigating the situation, noting that energy conservation efforts resulted in a 20-megawatt recovery.

He addresses concerns about the risk of blackouts, opting instead to refer to the potential for rolling blackouts, which he describes as necessary temporary measures to manage demand exceeding production capacity. An energy alert system has been established to inform the public of the status of electricity supply, with green indicating normal conditions and yellow suggesting the need for reduced consumption.

On the topic of floating and mobile power plants, Assirvaden mentions previous discussions on these options but notes that initial bids were unfruitful. His vision now focuses on a balanced energy mix that prioritizes diversification and clean energy transitions.

Upcoming projects include floating solar panels at Tamarind Falls, partnerships for solar projects, and a hybrid agrisolar program, among others. He's also committed to modernizing water supply infrastructure and addressing leaks in distribution networks. He acknowledges the financial struggles of utility companies and aims for transparent management and accountability.

Finally, he reflects on recent political tensions within the coalition government, expressing confidence in its stability and emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. Assirvaden remains optimistic about achieving significant progress during his tenure, despite recognizing that challenges remain.