The world’s least developed continent has vast energy resources waiting only to be efficiently exploited. However, the lack of proper infrastructure and heavy investments hinders the continent from boosting its potential for power generation, which is crucial to sustaining various industries and supporting the modern lifestyle. Especially on renewable energy where it may be leading the world in terms of potential, harnessing them has remained very limited for decades.
Image source: bailiffafrica.org
Power generation and consumption per capita in Africa is the lowest in the world, despite being the second most populous continent with over 15 percent of the planet’s total population. With vast areas of deserts and clear skies, solar and wind energy are voluminous. In the rainy, tropical central region, rivers produce vast quantities of hydropower. In the volcanic Great Rift Valley, enormous geothermal resources abound. These have only been utilized in small scales, and many nations are still dependent on either hydrocarbon-based energy in the cities or traditional resources in the rural areas.
There are initiatives from the U.S., Europe, and Asia currently under development to make Africa a leading producer of clean energy in the future. The challenge is very tough as renewable power generation normally requires heavy use of high technology and substantial capital. With foreign investments, however, the African economic and energy climate could undergo massive evolution. Local economies can grow several folds; plenty of jobs will be created, and the region’s heavy reliance on foreign aid will be soon significantly diminished.
Image source: africaspotential.com
A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist focusing on real estate and energy, Gene E. Phillips is exploring new energy opportunities in several African countries where he sees tremendous growth potential. To know more about his endeavors, visit this website.
A Positive Legacy 