Tag: solar power

The first International Renewable Energy Conference was held on African soil in Cape Town from 4 to 7 October. It was agreed that Africa could make use of its abundant natural resources to create sustainable energy. South Africa's progress in the field was also highlighted. Delegates declared they would upscale and mainstream renewables to achieve a global energy transition.

Rural communities in Kenya are benefitting from a solar power drive by Green Energy Africa. Maasai women buy the equipment from the organisation, sell it for a small profit, and are empowered to install it themselves.

Community Chest searches for ways to help people get out of the poverty trap. Its EcoBoxx Entrepreneur Kit and Amandla! project do just this. Rather than simply handing out charity, they allow people to earn their own livings and so contribute to the economy.

Half-a-billion people in Africa have no access to a reliable electricity supply and must use expensive and unhealthy alternatives, like diesel generators. With its Power Africa initiative, the US and its partners plan to change this. It is perhaps the largest of several projects on the go.

Samsung recently delivered its first solar-powered digital village, bringing affordable healthcare, education and internet access to the Malibongwe Ridge community.

The fifth C40 Cities Mayors Summit will take place in Johannesburg this month. It's a good time to look at the measures the city is taking to combat the effects of changing weather patterns. It is among the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases in South Africa, but it is working to rebalance this legacy.