It seems that Africa is always one step behind “The Jones”; be it fashion or the seasons. I guess things are no different when it comes to renewables… Everywhere I look, I see the bellwether companies investing billions and trillions of Euros into wind projects pretty much EVERYWHERE on the planet except in Africa… Do I need to get out more or can you concur? Siemens have reportedly scrapped their involvement in solar altogether and are focusing heavily on wind – where are they in Africa? Vestas is seeking alliance with Mitsubishi (who have subsequently confirmed their involvement in offshore wind farms in Germany and Fukushima in Japan, as well as a wind park in the Netherlands) – What are they doing in Africa?

Brazil is reportedly contracted to sell wind power at prices as low as 42c per kWh – How much does wind generated electricity actually cost in Africa? Finally GE have announced a breakthrough on fabric blades which could lead to a reduction in costs and an increase in power output – congrats! In my quest to find out where Wind was hiding I found an article in Recharge where Ben Brackwell, editor-in-chief, claims that the traction behind these wind developments are a result of government support and policies that facilitate investment from the private sector. He goes on to say that it may not be long before brands like Heineken, Google and Ikea build support for clean energy to the existent to which an industry is born! Hallelujah!!

The age old saying “This is African time” rings dear…give us a decade or so and our policies and will have to get there…eventually… I’ll leave you with this: How many power outages and price hikes do we need to endure before renewable energy is taken seriously? The research has been done. The money is out there. People are DYING to invest; but with government tenders dragging their feet, and with policies that discourage foreign direct investment….things are going slowly nowhere.

*if you want to learn more about the Power sector
Keep the 9th and 10th April OPEN – the exhibitions are free to attend (you must see the interesting on-floor seminars). This year Power and Electricity World Africa 2013 are hosting their 16th annual event. Some exciting stuff is happening – if power is your thing (like it is mine)
For sponsorship information, Download the Prospectus NOW.

This event is organised by Terrapinn.