Written By Qiraat Asim
Edited By Kelly Deochand
When we think of a solution to the energy problem, we think of renewable energy sources. However, we often forget that these sources come with a hefty price. From the billions of dollars invested in hydroelectric power plants, to the undependable weather conditions required by wind and solar, we can fail to recognize that even a solution such as renewable energy can only be afforded by the privileged.
The western world has inherently been making use of fossil fuels for the past 200 years. They have ushered in the carbon period and brought substantial growth to their productivity, income, wealth, and living standards. For making up only a fragment of the world, western countries have plundered the fossil fuel resources, thus leaving developing countries no choice but to seek other alternatives. However, with the expensive renewable technology and overconsumption of western countries, is renewable energy even an attainable goal in developing parts of the world?
The simple answer to that is yes. If we look at Afghanistan and its sensitive geographical and political nature, we see that the country has sought to think local. They truly have coined the phrase “Think globally, act locally.” Afghanistan possesses elevated levels of sunshine, its northern areas are blessed with good winds, and its rivers are perfect to set up small-scale hydro plants. It has avoided the expense and landscape destruction that large dams require to instead implement small diversions of water to drive turbines. These turbines provide water to the local villages and in fact, in the northern provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar, 11 500 homes, schools, markets, local businesses, and hospitals have been supplied with both solar power and water. These local solutions are perfectly reliable to meet Afghanistan’s humble needs and to tackle the ongoing political climate.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has sought to provide renewable energy to refugee camps. IRENA states that “on-site renewable energy solutions can cost-effectively supply refugee communities with low-cost, reliable electricity”. It has provided refugee camps with solar mini-grids. These solar mini-grids not only reduce diesel consumption but also meet the needs of the people in the camps instantly and dependably.
Africa too has followed suit in trying to harness solar energy. The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation together have aided $220 million dollars to the Ghana Energy and Development Access Project (GEDAP)1; this project allows accessible energy through off-grid solar services and products. Five pilot mini-grids have been introduced by GEDAP that convert solar energy to electricity for remote communities in the Volta Lake and the Volta River. Not only is 24/7 electricity provided by the pilot grids, but they also supply 10,000 beneficiaries. Hence, all the local fishing communities can make the most of it. So much that poor families were given subsidies and their access to the local financiers and banks was supported so they could afford the mini-grids.
In this way and more, developing countries can make the most of renewable energy. The fight to attain renewable energy is long and hard, but one that is fruitful and worth it in the end.
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