U.S. DOE to push African energy development projects

U.S. Energy Sec. Bill Richardson has launched a program to promote African economic growth through sustainable energy development and private investments in energy projects.

The Department of Energy's Africa Initiative will seek to foster energy trade and investment and encourage regional market development.

Richardson said that regional markets have the best chance of attracting private sector interest, and a growing energy market needs the efficiencies of free movement of goods and services across international borders.

The initiative will promote the use of clean energy technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while sustaining economic growth.

Other U.S. agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industry will be encouraged to participate.

DOE and the U.S. Department of Transportation plan to sponsor a ministerial-level energy meeting this fall on African energy infrastructure issues.

Africa's importance

Richardson said that Africa's energy development is important to the U.S. because African industrial energy demand is projected to grow by 4%/year. Natural gas demand is projected to rise 5.5%/year, making it the region's fastest growing energy source.

DOE said Africa has low overall carbon emissions of about 220 million metric tons/year. But, based on energy needs, particularly in certain countries, emission levels are expected to soar in the next century. Wood is still the primary fuel in many rural areas.

Last year, Africa exported about 1.4 million b/d of oil to the U.S., accounting for about 17% of U.S. oil imports.

Richardson said, "At the top levels, we will engage and encourage governments in Africa to adopt policies that encourage investment and regional integration.

"At the grassroots, we will demonstrate technologies in villages and train government and business personnel to help tap a broad spectrum of energy sources.

"We want to expand cooperation through measures that promote advanced energy technologies, improve energy efficiency, increase the use of natural gas and renewable energy, soften the environmental impact of oil recovery, and reduce pollution overall."

Current efforts

Richardson said that DOE already is working with South Africa on programs to provide solar power to rural consumers, train government and business experts on energy issues, and design low-cost, energy-efficient homes.

DOE is helping Ghana to develop solar power for rural areas, Uganda to develop geothermal resources, Botswana to establish renewable energy sources and power development, and Senegal to develop clean energy sources.

Richardson said, "We want more engagement with Nigeria and Angola as they grasp for democracy. Both countries have enormous potential for cooperation on energy and environmental matters, including pipeline issues and development of vast oil and gas reserves." He plans to travel to several African nations in the next 3 months to promote the plan.