Norway's 937 hydroelectric-generating plants provide the country with 96 percent of its electricity—making it the world’s sixth-largest hydropower producer. Now, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology are figuring out how to spread the water power wealth to other nations by turning Norway into the “green battery pack” of Europe. The idea is to … [Read more...]
Hydropower project to increase renewable power in Africa
The African Development Bank Group’s (AfDB) efforts to improve sustainable energy supply and access in Africa took a leap forward with the Board of Directors’ approval of the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project. The Bank Group allocated US $97.3 million from the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund for the multinational project, which will support … [Read more...]
Ethiopia opens Africa’s largest wind farm
Africa's biggest wind farm began production in Ethiopia on Saturday, aiding efforts to diversify electricity generation from hydropower plants and help the country become a major regional exporter of energy. The Horn of Africa country - plagued by frequent blackouts - plans to boost generating capacity from 2,000 MW to 10,000 MW within the next three to five years, much of … [Read more...]
Climate change could dry out Volta River Basin
A recent study has found that so much water may be lost in the Volta River Basin due to climate change that planned hydroelectric projects to boost energy and food production may only tread water in keeping up with actual demand. Some 24 million people in Ghana, Burkina Faso and four other neighboring countries depend on the Volta River and its tributaries as their principal … [Read more...]
Clean Power in Cape Town
The Clean Power Africa conference and exhibition in Cape Town in September will focus on new opportunities in the clean energy sectors such as retrofitting hydropower to current dams and helping the mining industry to use excess water to provide onsite power. South Africa’s Energy Minister Elizabeth Dipuo Peters will welcome delegates at the event, which will boast over 600 … [Read more...]
Brilliant students craft renewable energy solutions
Two students are following in the footsteps of a remarkable renewable energy visionary, Dr. Doug Banks, funded by his legacy in the form of scholarships. Dr Doug Banks (2 April 1965 to 4 July 2008) died at the age of 43, passionate about meeting Africa's energy challenges through the development of renewable energy. Through a deep understanding of people and technology, Doug … [Read more...]
Why aren’t water issues in the COP17 agenda?
'We need coordination and collaboration of international organization,' said Julia Bucknall (Manager of the Bank's central unit for Water, World Bank durning the session 'Water and Climate Change: The Road to COP17.' The World Water Day conference held at Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC), noted that unfortunately water issues are not currently integrated … [Read more...]
Water institute finds solutions through science
We are going to have a huge water supply problem by 2030. A report by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research warned that deteriorating water quality could lead to the depletion of freshwater resources even sooner than 2030 if South Africa experiences prolonged droughts. The call for help has been heard by scientists and researchers at the Stellenbosch University … [Read more...]
Power & Greed – Fatal Marriage
Today, ten years ago I was in London, listening to Nelson Mandela, Kader Asmal, Achim Steiner, and Medha Patkar all talking about the promise of the World Commission on Dams; how it would change the world of dams and development, and how you could walk the tight-rope towards a future where the poor did not lose everything and the rich did not gain everything. I remember … [Read more...]
Microhydro to be launched at Hydropower Africa
A database detailing all microhydro installations in Eastern and Southern Africa will be launched at the upcoming Hydropower Africa conference and exhibition in Johannesburg later this year. The web-based database will show current developments and provide information while hydropower industry professionals will also be able to update content. The driving force behind this … [Read more...]
Hydropower conference to remove barriers
"Investment in small hydropower projects in Africa will increase if tariff and non tariff barriers are removed, which will boost investor confidence" says Leonard Kassana, a well-known international hydropower consultant with the Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICF) at the Ministry of Infrastructure in Rwanda. Following a feasibility study for small hydropower … [Read more...]
Hydropower conference explores additional energy source
'Sustainable hydropower as a feasible solution to Africa's energy need' is the focus of the Hydropower Africa Conference happening at Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg from 16 to 20 August. A bright future lies ahead for hydropower in Africa as a critical component of Africa's energy mix. The resource uses proven technology and is easily accessible across the … [Read more...]
