The review of the South Africa, Nigeria, Mali and Egypt green energy usage gave a lot of insight on the potentials of sustainable energy usage in Africa. After thorough analysis of policies of these countries, it became very clear the imminent energy crisis in the continent lies in the sustainable green energy in Africa and requires concerted effort from all stakeholders to invest in the right infrastructure to help achieve millennium development plans.
With such a great potential, it is sad to imagine that over half of inhabitants in Africa have no access to electricity. The cost of electricity in most of countries is among the highest in the world despite the fact that it is also very unreliable. Most people therefore depend on fossil fuels for lighting with forests cleared to provide wood and charcoal for heating. The trend is obviously a threat to global climate as it increases carbon emission to the atmosphere leading to global warming.
Given that over 50% of African homes are not served by electricity, wood fuel remains the major source of energy for heating while paraffin is majorly used for lighting in rural areas. This explains massive deforestation that is taking place in many parts of the continent that is responsible for dry rivers reducing their potential for hydroelectric generation in addition to increased emission of greenhouses gases.
The hydroelectric power generation is the most common source of sustainable power source in Africa with its potential estimated at 1 888 terawatt hours every year thanks to major rivers in all parts of Africa. This is however underutilized due to lack of appropriate infrastructure living many residents particularly in rural areas engaging in deforestation.
Other than rivers, wind and solar power are the other major sources of electricity today. With the strategic location within the tropical location, Africa is able to receive the strongest rays from the sun for up to 12 hours a day throughout the year. This has been the focus for rural electrification programs and promises to be the cheapest power source should the cost of solar panels continue dropping. The case for wind turbine is not different with several companies erecting wind power plants in different parts of the continent.
The African continent is strategically located between the tropical zones with over 80% receiving 2000 kWh per meter square of solar irradiation in a single year. This is a huge potential for both urban and rural electricity problem. A number of African governments have set target to increase access to solar power particularly in rural areas as there is no transmission required. It also offers solution to water pumps making irrigation possible hence increased job opportunities and economic development.
Wind generation capacity of this continent cannot be ignored. In fact, the number of wind turbines has been increased across the continent. Persistence education and consorted effort by major business organizations operating in this continent have seen increased investment on biomass and other biofuels too in addition to the traditional hydroelectricity, wind and solar.
The effects of sustained campaign and investment in green power source are starting to yield fruit in Africa although the full potential is still far from being realized. This therefore calls for increased participation by governments, large business organizations and international community in efforts to put Africa at the same level in sustainable energy use and harness its potential for benefits of its inhabitants.
With such a great potential, it is sad to imagine that over half of inhabitants in Africa have no access to electricity. The cost of electricity in most of countries is among the highest in the world despite the fact that it is also very unreliable. Most people therefore depend on fossil fuels for lighting with forests cleared to provide wood and charcoal for heating. The trend is obviously a threat to global climate as it increases carbon emission to the atmosphere leading to global warming.
Given that over 50% of African homes are not served by electricity, wood fuel remains the major source of energy for heating while paraffin is majorly used for lighting in rural areas. This explains massive deforestation that is taking place in many parts of the continent that is responsible for dry rivers reducing their potential for hydroelectric generation in addition to increased emission of greenhouses gases.
The hydroelectric power generation is the most common source of sustainable power source in Africa with its potential estimated at 1 888 terawatt hours every year thanks to major rivers in all parts of Africa. This is however underutilized due to lack of appropriate infrastructure living many residents particularly in rural areas engaging in deforestation.
Other than rivers, wind and solar power are the other major sources of electricity today. With the strategic location within the tropical location, Africa is able to receive the strongest rays from the sun for up to 12 hours a day throughout the year. This has been the focus for rural electrification programs and promises to be the cheapest power source should the cost of solar panels continue dropping. The case for wind turbine is not different with several companies erecting wind power plants in different parts of the continent.
The African continent is strategically located between the tropical zones with over 80% receiving 2000 kWh per meter square of solar irradiation in a single year. This is a huge potential for both urban and rural electricity problem. A number of African governments have set target to increase access to solar power particularly in rural areas as there is no transmission required. It also offers solution to water pumps making irrigation possible hence increased job opportunities and economic development.
Wind generation capacity of this continent cannot be ignored. In fact, the number of wind turbines has been increased across the continent. Persistence education and consorted effort by major business organizations operating in this continent have seen increased investment on biomass and other biofuels too in addition to the traditional hydroelectricity, wind and solar.
The effects of sustained campaign and investment in green power source are starting to yield fruit in Africa although the full potential is still far from being realized. This therefore calls for increased participation by governments, large business organizations and international community in efforts to put Africa at the same level in sustainable energy use and harness its potential for benefits of its inhabitants.
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