| EA government urged to promote biogas, solar | Send to a friend |
| Saturday, 03 July 2010 07:53 |
|
East African governments have been urged to assist and promote development of alternative sources of energy as it is affordable, friendly in usage and to the environment. Speaking in London recently, various innovators of biogas and solar energy equipments from Kenya, Uganda, Holland and United States defended the use of solar lanterns and biogas, which reduces carbon omissions and helps in the promotion of climate change. The innovators were in UK to receive the Ashden Award given annually to individuals who runs projects to help tackle climate change and improve quality of people’s life. Other finalists hailed from India, Vietnam and Brazil. Established in 2001 by Sarah Butler-Sloss of the Sainsbury multi-millionaire shopping giant, Ashden Trust, gives 30,000 pounds to winners and 20,000 pounds to each of the two runners up. According to Ashden Award representative, Ms Mariana Mazonen of Mexico, each of the recipients has, in their own way, made it possible to create low cost, high quality affordable alternatives sources of energy. Sky Link innovator from Kenya, Mr Samwel Kinoti, explained the use of natural waste from cow dung to create biogas for cooking as a measures to tackle deforestation and rural poverty. “Use of biogas is the future for our poor communities especially in rural areas, so our governments policies should reflect that need,” said Mr Kinoti. According to Sky Link, Kenya has only 1.59 percent forest cover, which is well below the ten per cent minimum recommended by United Nations. “The population of Kenya continue to rely on fire woods and charcoal for sourcing energy despite their increasing costs. Sky Link Innovators has tackled this problem by spreading the use of biogas systems to produce fuel for cooking,” he said. Also the producer of solar energy lanterns and futuristic power, D-Light from the US, Mr Ned Tozun said it was easier and affordable for poor countries. Mr Tozun and his colleague Sam Goldman, established D-Light in 2007 with headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in the US, India, China and Tanzania. Another Ashden award winner, Mr Chris Mulindwa from Uganda and Willem Nolens of Holland represented Rural Energy firm, and are actively involved in Uganda and Tanzania respectively. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
