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GLOBAL
ENERGY NETWORK INSTITUTE
a
solution to global problems
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September
30, 2002
Out
of Africa: Grand plans for energy integration
Dear
GENI Friend,
You have
probably seen the beautiful Earth at Night image that
was created by NASA -- featured in GENI's last newsletter
(http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html).
One stark reality -- how dark the continent of Africa
is in comparison to the rest of the world. After flying
over Africa last month at night, I can attest to the
lack of city lights below.
But this
condition is sure to change as Africa's leaders realize
that cooperation in energy development will benefit
everyone. Three years ago, the U.S. Energy Secretary
hosted all his fellow ministers from Africa, offering
technical expertise and business partnerships to help
develop this infrastructure. Today, plans are proceeding
on electrical
integration across all of Africa. And these
leaders know of the abundant hydropower, geothermal,
solar and biomass potential they are sitting on.
The one
big project that remains stalled is the Grand
Inga hydropower site on the Congo River. It's
a megaproject -- and would benefit all Africans, with
some excess for export to Europe. Yet, the constant
wars in the Congo make any financial interests shy
away. I asked Steve Lennon of ESKOM how this project
might be "internationalized" so it could
proceed in spite of the local troubles. He said that
the newly created NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's
Development) is the forum where Grand Inga could gain
African and international favor — and get moving.
The articles
on power pooling and long distance transmission in
Africa are a bit dry and technical. That bodes well,
as engineers and investors are now putting voltage
levels and cost estimates on specific projects. GENI
has been pushing for this kind of development in Africa
for the last 15 years. Your support and our persistence
are paying off. Please share this news with your colleagues.
In partnership
for the planet,
Peter Meisen
p.s.
Our web site continues to grow in depth and reach.
We have just hit 10,000 visitors per month! Check
us out again, and refer our site to a friend: www.geni.org
A
U.S. Tax Exempt 501(c)(3) Corporation committed to
improving the quality of life for everyone without
damage to the planet.
GENI
Affiliates in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand,
Singapore and United States.
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