Developing Renewable Energy in the Developing World



Obama's Granmother goes Solar



Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind but also geothermal and biomass among others, is growing in spite of the global economic downturn. In this rapidly evolving industry, key players have already emerged; China, the United States, Germany, Spain, Denmark and the United Kingdom. What is not often reported is that many countries in the developing world are also actively seeking to harness their renewable energy resources.

In India, the world’s largest democracy and the second most populous country, the government has created its own separate agency to spearhead the Indian renewable energy initiative. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission with the purpose of bringing solar electricity to the countryside and to establish India as a leader in the solar industry. The Ministry also has launched a nationwide initiative to promote biomass as an alternative cooking fuel. The country also has a burgeoning homegrown solar manufacturing sector with companies such as India Solar Solutions and IndoSolar experiencing strong growth.



Kenya



Another country that is making a foray into renewable energy is Kenya. The east African country has been implementing a series of feed-in tariff policies to spur investment in renewable energy, particularly solar. Kenya is the world leader in number of solar systems installed per capita (not in terms of megawatts). The number of solar panels sold annually in Kenya is over 30,000. More Kenyans adopt solar power per year than connect to the country’s electric grid. Many Kenyans install solar panels themselves and use makeshift inverters to create power.

In Latin America, Costa Rica is a renewable energy leader. Approximately 99% of Costa Rica’s electricity comes from renewable energy, principally hydroelectricity and industrial wind power. While the country does have some oil reserves on its Atlantic Coast, the government has consciously decided not to exploit them due to the environmental impact. Even though the country is reliant on imports for fossil fuels, its temperate climate does not create the demand for oil or gas heating that countries at higher latitudes experience. This means that as far as electricity is concerned, Costa Rica is essentially self sufficient and energy independent. Other Latin American countries such as Chile, Peru and Brazil are following suit and investing more capital in renewable energy projects and mandates.

Costa Rica

What can be learned from these examples? I think it showcases the ability of renewable energy to be a bridge to growth for developing countries and possibly all nations everywhere. In countries such as India, where many in the countryside still lack electricity, solar has the ability to bring them light. Similarly in Kenya, where the energy infrastructure is marginal at best, solar power can provide a quick and cost-effective alternative to generate electricity for the average citizen. Costa Rica’s self sufficient and self contained electric grid should be an inspiration to the world. If a tiny and relatively poor country can generate all its own power from renewable resources, then almost certainly a large, powerful, industrialized and wealthy country like the United States can do the same.

by Richard Harrod