Energy Production: Rs 695,000 for Assirvaden's Mission in Turkey

Title: Energy Production: Rs 695,000 for Assirvaden's Mission in Turkey

On April 21-23, Patrick Assirvaden, the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, visited Turkey. He provided details about this mission during a Private Notice Question posed by Joe Lesjongard, the Leader of the Opposition.

As mentioned in the Cabinet decisions from May 9, Assirvaden indicated that the mission aimed to explore potential collaboration in the energy sector. He was accompanied by the President of the Central Electricity Board (CEB).

The total cost of this mission amounted to Rs 695,000. In response to a question from the Opposition Leader, the minister stated, "No, I was not invited by the Turkish authorities. However, we made contact before departing..." He met with the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, as well as the Turkish Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.

"I deemed it both useful and necessary to undertake this official visit to Turkey, particularly as our country is actively exploring alternative solutions to enhance its energy security," Assirvaden asserted. He highlighted that floating power units (power ships) provide "precise operational flexibility in critical supply situations."

It is noteworthy that during the PNQ, Joe Lesjongard inquired whether Patrick Assirvaden had discussions with the Turkish authorities regarding leasing a floating power plant for Mauritius.