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N. Sumatra governor calls for cooperation with France in renewable energy
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Closer ties: North Sumatra Governor Tengku Erry Nuradi hands over a gift to a member of a French delegation led by French Ambassador to Indonesia Jean-Charles Berthonnet in a meeting in Medan on April 10. (JP/Nurni Sulaiman)
T
he North Sumatra administration is looking to cooperate with the French government in renewable energy-based electricity projects in the province.
North Sumatra Governor Tengku Erry Nuradi expressed his administration’s interest during a meeting with French Ambassador to Indonesia Jean-Charles Berthonnet in Medan on Monday evening.
“North Sumatra is in dire need of renewable energy sources, such as solar cells and wind- and sea wave-powered electricity. I heard that the country [of France] has valuable experience in it. It would be good if we could cooperate in developing renewable energy based in electricity because, here, the sun shines 12 hours a day. We are waiting for renewable energy companies with French technology to invest here,” Erry said.
The governor said five French companies were operating in North Sumatra. Of them, four companies work in the services field while one specializes in water treatment.
Erry expressed interest in having a sister city between North Sumatra and France in economy, tourism, trade and services, as well as education.
“With North Sumatra's crude oil palm plantations, there could be economic cooperation; Lake Toba is a potential tourist destination, [...] Maimun Palace [is] a Deli Sultanate heritage building; and [there is] culinary potential; all of which make expanding cooperation worth it.”
Berthonnet agreed there was potential for further cooperation between the two countries.
“I realize the economic potential of North Sumatra. Many contracts were signed by the President [François Hollande] on his official visit to [Indonesia] recently. I hope this visit [by the French Embassy] produces areas of cooperation," he said. (ebf)
