This post is reprinted from ICLEI global: www.iclei.org
Magistrate Men-An Pan, head of the Pingtung County local government in Chinese Taipei, made a public commitment to explore a 100 renewable energy target and to be an active participant in the Global 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network.
This commitment was formalized in a public signing at the closing of the 1st Resilient County International Forum held at Pingtung County on 14 June 2016. This forum was intended to inspire and contribute to the dialogue with local and national stakeholders and community on resilience and 100% renewable energy (RE). “Comprehensive governance will be the cornerstone of our strategy. I believe our county is ready. We are working together to turn Pingtung into a green energy capital” said Magistrate Pan.
Mayor Steve Skadron presented the success of the City of Aspen, Colorado, USA, that has 100% renewable electricity since 2015. This is achieved through a Power Purchase Agreement covering the final 25% needed to completely source electricity from renewable sources. “We are now powering Aspen’s electric utility with 100% renewables, and – despite the increased cost – we’re finding our utility rates are among the lowest in Colorado, and that a commitment to a sustainable future is practical, profitable, and improves local quality of life” said Mayor Skadron. The City of Aspen is one of the active participants in the Global 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network.
Gino Van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI, received Pingtung County’s statement from Magistrate Pan. “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Pingtung County to the ICLEI Global 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network and are pleased with the commitment we have observed under your leadership to explore a 100% RE pathway and a sustainable energy future.” The Global 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network is a global platform for peer-learning between cities that are playing a leading role in the energy transition.
Maui County, Hawaii, USA sister city of Pingtung County, was represented by Mayor Alan Arakawa. He presented several smart grid projects which have been implemented in Maui County. “The grid needs to be smart and multidirectional. It needs to be flexible to allow for the change that is to arrive and to new technologies that have not even been invented yet. This needs planning and investment” said Mayor Arakawa. “Each city is unique. Looking at what others are doing gives us an opportunity to learn from each other”.
To learn more about the Global 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network visit: www.iclei.org/lowcarboncity/100re