Energy poverty and the problems with accessibility that many developing countries have is a problem of the 21st century, whether it be affordability by the average person, to excessive time spent collecting fuels to meet basic needs, to the cleanest types of energy available.
This article highlights the major issue of energy poverty in Africa and the possibilities that wind and solar power have to help alleviate the problem. It is scientifically relevant as these types of technologies are being developed and progressing, and we already see more investment in renewable energy sources in developing countries than developed countries.
Wind and solar power have already become the cheapest option for new power generation projects in South Africa. Finance and costs play a major role in decisions to build new projects. Therefore, there is great potential in the developments being made. Wind and solar projects carry lower risks than hydro and coal. Countries such as Germany have successfully integrated these renewable energy challenges, offering a promise to the doubts that Africa’s electrical grids cannot handle energy sources such as wind and solar.
The following video describes the most energy efficient countries, and the ones that are doing the best have policies weaning them off the use of fossil fuels.
After reading these articles, I think wind and solar power will be the key to alleviating the energy poverty of Africa in the future. As they become cheaper options and the technology improves, more financial incentives and investments will be made. For such a large continent, there is tremendous potential by combining renewable energy with a energy poverty ending agenda.
