The Use of LP Gas in Timor Leste
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The Government of Timor Leste and the WLPGA jointly hosted a one day workshop in Dili on 13th November 2009 to discuss how LP Gas and other energy options could assist in the development of the country. In cooperation with the Energy For All Partnership, and supported by the Asian Development Bank, the workshop was held in the Delta Nova Hall and was attended by nearly 50 participants. The Secretary of State for Natural Resources, His Excellency Afredo Pires, and the Secretary of State for Energy, His Excellency Avelino Coelho, opened the workshop and provided an overview of Timor Leste, presenting the challenges and opportunities for the country.
The population of nearly 1.2m people relies heavily on wood for their primary energy source. As a result, deforestation, air quality and health remain key concerns for the mainly rural community.
Although LP Gas is available in Timor Leste its use is limited by a lack of infrastructure and high costs. The participants included four representatives of four member companiesof the WLPGA, Origin Energy, Pertamina, Shell and Wesfarmers. Other organizations represented at the workshop included Conoco-Phillips, the European Commission, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and several Non GovernmentalOrganisations (NGOs).
The workshop included presentations from the WLPGA on the benefits that LP Gas can provide to economies as a modern clean efficient energy. A perspective from several NGOs was provided on the challenges and opportunities for the population. Some overseas models were shared illustrating how LP Gas can be successfully introduced into small, developing economies with restricted income levels. The role of micro-finance and how it can assist as a support to the distribution chain was described by a local company providing loans for small projects in the country. Options for providing other forms of energy, especially renewable energy, were explained by a representative from Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) offered some advice on the need to address the social impact of introducing forms of modern energy and the need to create jobs.
Two of the key challenges facing Timor Leste are the cost effective supply of LP Gas into the country coupled with an affordable proposition for the community, particularly those living in low income rural areas. At the conclusion of the workshop the Government agreed to establish a Working Group, consisting of representatives from the workshop, to examine all the issues and recommend a strategy to move forward with LP Gas in Timor Leste. The WLPGA will continue to work closely with the Government of Timor Leste, through the Working Group, to help the country address its energy needs utilizing the benefits that LP Gas can bring immediately.
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