It is well known that fossil fuel usage surpasses almost tenfold the use and exploitation of renewable resources of energy. (1) In poorer regions like Africa, usage of fossil fuels is dependent on the purchasing ability rather than need or requirements. The tropical regions of the world that are classified as poor have hidden riches that have not been exploited. The African continent has approximately 40% of the world's hydroelectric potential and most of the region lies in the tropics where solar irradiance is at its highest, but with solar power least exploited. Despite the energy potentials, Africa’s industrialization is in its infancy and contributes to only 1% of worldwide industrial production. (2) The low proportion of energy consumption based on global energy use by nations, where Africa average is below 1%, (1) could be the root of many problems notably food production. Improvement in food security and the reversal of the current trend of economic and social regress could be achieved by exploiting the available natural resources. Such energy resources include:
· Solar
· Biomass
· Geothermal
· Water in hydropower
· Wind power
· Oceans tide-power, wave-power, other ocean power resources such as salinity and temperature gradients.
These resources can be exploited to generate energy forms beneficial to human welfare. Sun energy, for example can be used directly to dry or cook foods, heat and distill water. Sun energy is also converted to electricity using photovoltaic cells. The use of photovoltaic cell technology for electric energy production is possible but technological costs have restricted or slowed down the widespread usage. (Picture shows a solar panel on the roof of an African house, it is a rare sight and is not widespread but ideally every hut should have one)
The unwillingness or resistance by the advanced nations to transfer effective technology to areas of maximum benefit is a matter of concern. Effective use and exploitation of solar power, wind power, hydropower and the exploiting the oceans, could influence a reduction in the use of other fuels like wood fuel. The availability of these other energy sources makes exploitation of biomass without the threat of deforestation environmentally possible. These alternatives are practical as the resources are obtained from within the countries that are considered poor. The supply of electricity for example, improves water collection, through pumping for distribution and irrigation. On the issue of water supply, the World Health Organization (WHO) (3) estimates that about 20% (1.22 billion) of the world people do not have access to clean water.
