5.089

Renewable energy has potential for more immediate success in developing countries than in industrialized ones. Nearly two billion people throughout the world are still waiting to be electrified! Although, more than 85% of the energy production from renewable energy sources occurs in the industrialized countries, developing countries have a much larger potential for “renewables” such as wind and solar energy. In fact, approximately three-quarters of the global renewable energy supply comes from developing countries.

Most developing countries, such as Africa and Asia, use hydropower and biomass.
Traditional biomass sources such as charcoal and (fuel) wood provide more than 90% of energy production. These biomass processes are also used for cooking and heating. However, traditional biomass use creates indoor and outdoor pollution. Additionally, the construction of hydropower plants often require that vast areas of land (some that are inhabited), to be flooded. Populations must be relocated and resettled, and biodiversity and habitats are destroyed. As a result, wind, solar, geothermal, modern biomass, small hydropower facilities, and ocean energies contribute more to a “truly sustainable development” in these developing regions than those that displace and destroy.

However, for the many positives, there are just as many obstacles that hamper renewable energy construction in developing countries. For example, although it appears ideal to construct renewable energy where there is a low population density, consideration must be given to the lack, or instability, of a power grid as well as the socio-cultural environment not being conducive to renewable energy technology.

Financial obstacles seem to be the biggest hindrance. Although there are various credit schemes available, countries may be lured by fossil fuel incentives from competitors, as well as be discouraged by the high initial costs of constructing and implementing renewable energy resources. Many of the technologies are not yet competitive on a cost-basis with conventional forms of energy.

Developing countries may also lack renewable energy awareness, have policies and local monopolies that support fossil fuel energy, have complicated licensing procedures, and political and economic unrest and instability. Household ignorance and prejudices and lack of government dissemination of information and promotion of renewable energy alternatives contribute to its difficulty in getting a foothold in developing countries.



Jason Grace
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
Germany

Recommend or share this page: