November 26 2011 -- "Renewable energy is the key to the future. We will encourage private sector investment as well as public-private sector partnerships for the development of solar energy farms and other renewable energy projects which will bring health, environmental and financial benefits to Seychelles."

President James Michel made the statement following a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber of Masdar, Abu Dhabi's clean energy firm.

The President expressed his appreciation concerning the implementation of the Masdar wind energy project which is being built in order to provide clean energy for the inhabitants of Mahé island.

"We need to gradually remove our dependence on fossil fuels as we aim to conserve our reputation as one of the most environmentally-friendly nations in the world. We will start with wind energy and then encourage the development of solar energy farms, which are commercially viable and provide investment opportunities for Seychellois as well as foreign investors, "said President Michel.

The President noted that the upcoming Energy Bill, which will be presented to the National Assembly in the near future, will be an effective motor for the drive to increase investment in clean energy production, and give the Seychellois people the choice of energy and tariff that they will be consuming.

Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber also stated Masdar's commitment to conduct feasibility studies for solar energy projects and to continue assisting the Seychelles in other clean energy initiatives.