Africa Starts Winding Up Its Turbines
Ethiopia could soon have the largest wind farm in Africa after a new deal between the country and the French company Vergnet. The deal is worth $300 million and is expected to produce 120 megawatts in two and a half years, reports the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Ethiopia currently operates on hydroelectric dams, but as a drought in the country continues, it’s imperative that it start looking elsewhere for power. The wind would give the country another source of power, and it gives France a boost in image in terms of renewable energy.
Africa has only recently begun looking into source of renewable energy. The continent has long relied on electricity and oil, but as the two keep rising in price and as power shortages plague the continent, countries are starting to go elsewhere for their energy needs.
Most of the wind power up until now has been generated in Egypt and Morocco. They produce total capacities of 230 MW and 124 MW respectively in 2006, according to RenewableEnergyWorld.com. But other countries have gotten into the mix. There are three projects in planning stages in Kenya, and earlier this year South Africa established its first wind farm. Tanzania is also planning its first for 2009 but is having trouble with the logistics of sending over massive blades for the turbines.
It still remains to be seen whether the aesthetics arguments over wind power will be heard in Africa.
>>More on wind farms from Green Options
Photo Credit: warrenski at Flickr under a Creative Commons License
