Power Development Initiative Rolls Out in Africa

Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--A program that is aimed at developing 10,000 megawatts (MW) of more efficient, cost-effective generation for electrification and renewable energy projects in Africa is already rolling out in several countries, a U.S. official said. Speaking at the African Utility Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Agnes Dasewicz, director of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) private capital group, said that the project is being carried out in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Cross-border energy transmission is critical for growth in Africa. USAID is a partner with the World Bank and the African Development Bank on the project, which studies rural electrification and off-grid solutions to assist the development of agribusiness.

Large companies, such as General Electric (NYSE:GE) (Fairfield, Connecticut) and Standard Bank (Johannesburg, South Africa), are taking part in the Power Africa initiative, but smaller companies also are getting involved. Several companies are targeting clean energy and gas-fired projects.

Legal advisers are being made available to Ethiopia to assist with power-purchase agreements in the geothermal sector, which could have a catalytic effect in the East African region. USAID is also assisting Ethiopia in producing 2 million smart meters, and improving electricity distribution and efficiency.

Support is being provided in Kenya for a 300-MW wind project, and Tanzania is being assisted with hydro projects in the country's southern agricultural corridor.

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