scholarly journals Regional Energy Integration for Sustainable Development in Eastern Africa: The Case for Geothermal Energy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Maria Nzomo ◽  
Zerubabel Getachew

Energy is a crucial factor in international relations and a critical input to achieve global economic growth and development. Provision of affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy is necessary and a prerequisite for any country’s economic growth and prosperity. The United Nations Agenda 2030, through its Seventh Sustainable Development Goal (SGD 7) and the African Union Agenda 2063 Aspiration 1recognise the centrality of access to energy towards realising the ambitions enlisted in these documents. The asymmetric distribution of natural resources and the political, strategic, financial, and technological challenges in utilising these resources hinder countries from availing affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy by using domestic sources alone. The inability to attain energy independence makes a compelling case for nations to increasingly integrate their energy supply chains to international and regional energy markets. As a result, ensuring access to affordable energy has become a core interest of regional foreign relations. Therefore, if geopolitics permits, energy cooperation and interdependence become the ultimate and sustainable path towards energy security. Africa has tremendous potential ranging from hydrocarbons to renewable energies. Nevertheless, it has failed to provide adequate energy for its social and economic needs mainly due to poor governance and related challenges. Africa has to utilise such humongous and diversified energy resources by embracing an optimal energy mix that contributes to regional economic development and energy integration. Eastern Africa, home to various renewable energy resources, is one of the energy-poor regions in Africa. The prevailing energy system in the sub-region is hydro-based and lacks reliability. The sub-region has tremendous renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. Still, their utilisation is negligible due to several challenges, including governance and lack of access to finance and technology. This paper argues that an integrated and regional approach to developing the energy sector in Eastern Africa can address the energy-related challenges and contribute towards regional integration in Eastern Africa. In particular, the development of geothermal energy, within the optimal energy mix in the sub-region, for both power generation and direct use application will play a crucial role in forging energy integration in Eastern Africa. In this regard, regional institutions such as power pools and regional economic communities are indispensable.   Received: 27 June 2021 / Accepted: 5 August 2021 / Published: 5 September 2021

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ebrahim Hussien ◽  
Chamhuri Siwar ◽  
Rashidah Zainal Alam ◽  
Abdul Hamid Jafar ◽  
Norasikin Ahmad Ludin

<p>Since conventional energy resources are major source of CO<sub>2</sub> emission, over reliance on fossil fuels has raised questions on environmental sustainability. On way to address these multi-faceted issues of conventional energy sources, the sustainability of energy and environment is through the green economy approach. As such, this paper aims to discuss the concept of green economy in relation with renewable energy. The interdependence of green economy and environmental quality as well as the compatibility of green economy approach with the notion of sustainable development are demonstrated in the paper. Green economy approach fulfils the methodological gaps that exist in the growth models. It is believed that the best economic tool to attain sustainable development goals is by integrating social, economic and environmental elements. Furthermore, energy is believed to be a significant player in determining the greenness of the economy and sustainability as it has economic and environmental value. In addition, this study illustrates the significance of biomass energy resource and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from fossil fuel combustion. The illustration framework justifies that biomass is the determinant renewable energy source to be a proxy for renewable energy resources. Similarly, it justifies that CO<sub>2</sub> emission of energy sector is considerably significant to represent the CO<sub>2</sub> emissions of the atmosphere.</p>


Author(s):  
V. I. Salygin ◽  
I. A. Guliyev ◽  
M. I. Ryabova

China is the most densely populated country in the world with high rate of economic growth resulting in higher demand for energy resources and in strive to guarantee stable supply of these resources. Chinese annual GDP growth in 2012 and 2013 was down to 7.7% comparing to 10% in 2000-2011 [7]. In 2012 and 2013 economic growth stumbled because of slowdown in manufacturing and exports, taking into account that Chinese government was eager to cut inflation and excessive investments in some segments of the market. Speaking about energy sector Chinese government is aimed at promotion of market-based pricing systems, activities for advanced energy efficiency and higher competition between energy companies, and increased investment in renewable energy resources. Considering renewables as one of many ways to diversify energy supplies, lower dependence on coal and improve environmental situation Chinese government actively supports and develops programs aimed at support of renewable energy industry in China. Chinese economic development is tightly attached to five-year plans. It seems important to mention the fact that main energy goals for current 12-th "five-year plan" are to achieve 15% renewables consumption and CO2 sequestration up to 40-45% by2020 in order to lower dependency on coal and improve environmental situation. As a result of Chinese state policy to develop renewables China achieved certain results in wind energy, helioenergetics, hydroenergetics and energy from waste recycling.


2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (9) ◽  
pp. 601-613
Author(s):  
Ertugrul Guresci

Objectives : The world is getting more polluted day by day and living conditions are getting harder and harder. The Covid 19 process explains this situation even better. Global warming will show its effect more heavily if measures are not taken. There is a close relationship between global warming and the type and method of energy used. The use of fossil fuels by people pollutes the environment too much, and the use of alternative energy sources is gaining importance instead. Here, the issue of use and management of renewable energy sources comes to the fore. Turkey is a country with rich renewable energy resources and experience in cooperatives. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the current situation and problems of renewable energy cooperatives, which can be a model for managing Turkey’s renewable energy resources.Methods : In the study, a literature review method was used by examining domestic and foreign resources related to renewable energy and renewable energy cooperatives. Some of the data obtained were arranged in tables and used in the study.Results and Discussion : It is very important for Turkey to develop renewable energy resources and increase the share of renewable energy resources among other resources. Because Turkey is a developing country and its population is increasing day by day. It is essential to use renewable energy for the energy need of the increasing population and the least environmental pollution. Within the scope of 2023 targets in Turkey, it is planned to produce 34 thousand MW of hydroelectric, 20 thousand MW of wind energy, solar energy, 5 thousand MW, 1,000 MW of geothermal energy and 1,000 MW of geothermal energy and biomass energy. In order to achieve this goal, it is planned to invest approximately 60 billion dollars in renewable energy sources. Cooperatives are one of the most effective ways in which Turkey can use its renewable energy resources. Because cooperative is a method known to the Turkish society and it would be beneficial to transfer it to the renewable energy field.Conclusion : Turkey is a developing country and its energy needs are increasing day by day. It is very important to use the renewable energy resources it has correctly and in a planned way. In this respect, it should be understood that renewable energy cooperatives are quite compatible with Turkey. Turkey should provide the necessary legal and administrative structure for the development of renewable energy cooperatives and develop it with financial support in order to make its increasing energy needs sustainable.


Author(s):  
Biljana Stojan Ilic

On the global level, governments are leading the national policy for development of modern technology and alternative energy resources. The tendencies of sustainable development are reflected in the realization of using renewable energy resources that contribute to a more diversified and more efficient use of clean energy. The aim of this chapter is to represent adequate responses to the efficient management at the state level that created all necessary conditions for sustainable development and energy efficiency using renewable energy resources in countries of European Union. Legal regulations, energy policy, short, medium and long-term strategy with a stimulating policy, can contribute for achieving adequate results in terms of sustainable development. The aims of this policy would be reflected in the development of eco-industrial parks and clean energy that contribute development of new companies, employment, on the state budget and local government levels.


Author(s):  
Biljana Stojan Ilic

On the global level, governments are leading the national policy for development of modern technology and alternative energy resources. The tendencies of sustainable development are reflected in the realization of using renewable energy resources that contribute to a more diversified and more efficient use of clean energy. The aim of this chapter is to represent adequate responses to the efficient management at the state level that created all necessary conditions for sustainable development and energy efficiency using renewable energy resources in countries of European Union. Legal regulations, energy policy, short, medium and long-term strategy with a stimulating policy, can contribute for achieving adequate results in terms of sustainable development. The aims of this policy would be reflected in the development of eco-industrial parks and clean energy that contribute development of new companies, employment, on the state budget and local government levels.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (9) ◽  
pp. 4390-4414
Author(s):  
Koray Alper ◽  
Kubilay Tekin ◽  
Selhan Karagöz ◽  
Arthur J. Ragauskas

Fossil fuels must be replaced with renewable energy resources to ensure sustainable development, reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, address environmental challenges including climate change.


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