17th July 2019 A coconut scrapper and sewing machine models powered by solar were showcased at Ha’apai’s Agricultural, Fisheries, Tourism and Trade Show as part of MEIDECC’s Department of Energy and the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) display.
The appliances are designed to inspire women entrepreneurs and small businesses to cut back on electricity usage and running costs in order to maximize their investment savings through the use of renewable energy.
PCREEE’s Energy Policy & Planning Expert Mr Paea Tau’aika said that the gadgets will assist women and small businesses that are selling baked goods, coconut milk and those who are sewing for a decent living.
“The main aim of our display today is to inspire small businesses and the private sector to use affordable and clean energy to reduce the cost of production. This event also provides us with the opportunity to promote our assistance scheme for small businesses and the private sector specifically tourism, fisheries, trade and the agriculture. If they are keen on buying solar appliances and equipment the centre will cover 20 percent of the sale price.”
The centre also supports small businesses proposals on technical trainings for employees.
Tau’aika said that PCREEE has also initiated a training programme for students in government high schools to raise awareness on renewable energy. The training is set to begin in Vava’u this week.
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications