The global dependence on renewable power sources such as solar, hydro-power, wind, biomass, geothermal and biofuel has increased by great margin in the last decade. This is majorly attributed to increased awareness of the role of fossil fuel on global climate change. Many governments and non-governmental organizations have adopted measures to increase the use of clean power sources. Technology on the other hands has played a major role by lowering the cost of equipment necessary to tap and convert this kind on energy to electricity with has seen adoption of sustainable green energy in Africa increasing significantly.
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.
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.
Currently, hydroelectricity is the most used renewable power source. This is attributed to several large rivers in the continent. With the major threat being deforestation, many green belt movements and other organizations are taking steps to encourage afforestation and reforestation. This is done through several approaches including education the nearby community and planting seedlings with the aim of increasing river levels to make them able to support more hydroelectric power plants.
When it comes to solar power, Africa enjoys so much solar irradiation as over 80% of the continent enjoys 325 days of 12 hour sunshine every year. This translates to about 2000 kWh per square meter. If proper infrastructure is laid down, this can completely solve rural electricity problem as there is no need for transmission. It can be used for lighting, heating and more importantly for powering pumps for irrigation to solve perennial food problem in most 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 other areas that have seen increased investment are in the areas of wind power with billions of dollars being spent each year to set up wind power plants. Many non-government organizations are also educating community members on how to use biomass and other biofuels as a sustainable energy source.
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.
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.
Currently, hydroelectricity is the most used renewable power source. This is attributed to several large rivers in the continent. With the major threat being deforestation, many green belt movements and other organizations are taking steps to encourage afforestation and reforestation. This is done through several approaches including education the nearby community and planting seedlings with the aim of increasing river levels to make them able to support more hydroelectric power plants.
When it comes to solar power, Africa enjoys so much solar irradiation as over 80% of the continent enjoys 325 days of 12 hour sunshine every year. This translates to about 2000 kWh per square meter. If proper infrastructure is laid down, this can completely solve rural electricity problem as there is no need for transmission. It can be used for lighting, heating and more importantly for powering pumps for irrigation to solve perennial food problem in most 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 other areas that have seen increased investment are in the areas of wind power with billions of dollars being spent each year to set up wind power plants. Many non-government organizations are also educating community members on how to use biomass and other biofuels as a sustainable energy source.
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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