Economic development heavily relies on cheap power source yet statistics reveals that over half of African population does not have access to source of power. The problem is majorly attributed to over reliance on petroleum and hydroelectric sources of power. While hydraulic depends on rivers that are affected by increasing droughts attributed to global climate change, the fossil fuels on the other hands are the main source carbon gases responsible for green house effects. This has informed the decision by many organizations to champion sustainable green energy in Africa as the primary source of power.
Initially, the debate had always centered on whether it is viable to invest in green power sources given that continent is full of cheap coal. Over the last decade however, several factors have contribute to increased focus in sustainable sources of power. The major contributory factor has been the global awareness on negative impacts carbon emotion and global warming in particular. Technology on the other hand has played a pivotal role by lowering the cost of equipment necessary for this investment.
Initially, adoption of renewable energy was considered too expensive in the continent full of cheap coal and petroleum products. The resent development in technology has however changed everything as the cost of renewable power sources has dropped significantly. The more interesting fact is that the cost of fossil fuels is on the rising trend discouraging further investment on it.
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.
The potential benefits of sustainable green energy for Africa are so numerous that no government should ignore it in this age and technology change. The major benefits are in the area of job creation, economic growth and mitigation of climate change effects.
This has come with several benefits such as stimulation of economic growth particularly in rural areas and increased employment opportunity. The real impart however though small is the role this plays in reducing the overall global greenhouse gas emission. In order to fully realize the green energy potential that this continent has to offer, it is appropriate that more funds focused on sustainable power source development in general and in lowering the cost of necessary equipment in particular.
Initially, the debate had always centered on whether it is viable to invest in green power sources given that continent is full of cheap coal. Over the last decade however, several factors have contribute to increased focus in sustainable sources of power. The major contributory factor has been the global awareness on negative impacts carbon emotion and global warming in particular. Technology on the other hand has played a pivotal role by lowering the cost of equipment necessary for this investment.
Initially, adoption of renewable energy was considered too expensive in the continent full of cheap coal and petroleum products. The resent development in technology has however changed everything as the cost of renewable power sources has dropped significantly. The more interesting fact is that the cost of fossil fuels is on the rising trend discouraging further investment on it.
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.
The potential benefits of sustainable green energy for Africa are so numerous that no government should ignore it in this age and technology change. The major benefits are in the area of job creation, economic growth and mitigation of climate change effects.
This has come with several benefits such as stimulation of economic growth particularly in rural areas and increased employment opportunity. The real impart however though small is the role this plays in reducing the overall global greenhouse gas emission. In order to fully realize the green energy potential that this continent has to offer, it is appropriate that more funds focused on sustainable power source development in general and in lowering the cost of necessary equipment in particular.
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