The Punch reports the President of Nigeria has ordered 10 mini turbines to improve power supply in the next year. These turbines will serve in the interim before the President announces the declaration of emergency in the power sector. Wind project have been earmarked for funds in 2008, originally proposed for 10MW, it now realized at 4MW.
Engineering News Online reports Ivestec of South Africa will invest directly into renewable and conventional power generation projects. The company is currently investing in a A$380 million wind farm in Australia, is a 50% partner for a wind project in Greece, and is contemplating a 10-30MW wind project in South Africa. The company’s spokesperson indicated the projects in Australia and Greece would not have been viable if it weren’t for the incentives that were offered. South Africa has a renewable energy target of 10,000GWh by 2012 from renewable energy sources.
AllAfrica.com reports Rwanda, Africa is short of their electricity needs by 40%. A resident of Rwanda living in the U.S., Mr. Jackson Ndizeye, has started a charity called Rwindalectric, to determine wind capacity of Rwanda. The feasibility study he is looking to conduct will last 12 months and cost up to $50,000. The charity is organizing a fundraising campaign to purchase a 60 meter tower and then ship the equipment to Rwanda sometime before June. The second phase of his plan is to build a wind farm that will create 10-50MW of electricity to be added to the national grid. The charity is looking for investors to help in making this a reality.
SABC News reportsSouth Africa will receive wind generated electricity from the first phase of their first wind farm. Four of the proposed ten turbines will be in operation at the end of March to help get the country out of their energy crisis. This first phase will provide enough renewable energy for 80% of the small town’s electricity needs.
Tuscaloosanews.com reports frequent electricity shortages in Africa are due to a variety of reasons. Strong economic growth, loss of economic growth, war, and population booms have contributed to rolling blackouts throughout the countries. In Nigeria 19 out of 79 power plants are working. While creating more electricity is one option, the alternative is to save energy. Namibia is planning to build a wind farm on its southern coast and South Africa will distribute five million fluorescent lightbulbs.