I was never confused or unsure about what to study in the university. I fell in love with electricity when it was introduced to me in secondary school Physics. I cannot say why, I just really enjoyed the topic especially because I found it easy to grasp the concepts. When I decided to study electrical engineering in college, becoming a power systems engineer was all I had in mind, nothing else.
The more I learned about electricity, the more I loved it. Not only the science, but also all that is made possible because of it. I got to fully grasp its transformative power as I became more aware of what electricity has done in the last two centuries. When it comes to development, electricity has been without doubt the most critical resource.
Therefore, in the developed world electricity has of course become an indispensable asset, but unfortunately one that is also often wasted. Most people in these parts of the world cannot even begin to imagine a life without electric power, and naturally they take it for granted. Practically everything that defines the modern lifestyle relies on electricity (computers, household appliances, lighting, cars etc). However, at the same time, a sizable portion of the world's population has absolutely no access to this same resource.
Access to electricity in 2021 should be a human right.
When I started learning about Renewable Energy (RE), it only further strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in electricity. What immediately stood out to me were the possibilities RE created for developing countries like the one I come from. Sunlight, rainfall, rivers, wind...at least one of these can be found in abundance in most African regions. Considering the monumental advances in various renewable energy technologies, off-grid villages can literally be electrified in months. Forget about costly, time-consuming grid extensions. True, most of these technologies still have drawbacks/limitations, but as imperfect as they are, they still have the potential to lift entire nations out of poverty.
How? Let us start by taking a closer look at the developing world.
One thing developing countries have in common is poor electrification rates. Most African countries have electrification rates of less than 50%. Former French colonies having some of the lowest. What chance do such countries have at development if they remain largely unelectrified? However, there is some hope with decentralized power systems fueled by renewable energy. These can have millions of off-grid villages transformed into bustling small towns in just a few years. You might think that over-ambitious. You will likely also wonder why it has not yet been done if it was indeed possible.
Leadership.
The leaders of most developing African countries lack the vision and drive required to see such projects through. Money is definitely not the issue, considering all the charity many African countries reportedly receive on an annual basis. It is funny how the charity is never directed at initiatives that will actually yield lasting change. Obviously their goal is not to permanently eradicate poverty, but rather maintain the status quo. The one where Africa remains a huge market for the West. But lets not digress, that is a story for another day. Given that we cannot count on the government or the international community, what can we do?
What can you do?
You can adopt a village. As an individual, as a family, as a group, as a church, as a business. Select any off-grid village and invest in it. Use renewable energy to transform it. Get to know the community and identify opportunities...electricity literally creates opportunities. Transform these opportunities into businesses that will in turn create jobs. Focus on the local economy, healthcare, education and infrastructure... and watch that village come alive. Imagine the ripple effect of something like this? I do hope I get to prove this concept soon, and once I do I hope many more will take up the challenge.
We can change Africa outside politics...one village at a time.
James 2:15-16 "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and if one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" NKJV
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