Foreign climate aid

Africa has drawn attention in recent times as a potential source of solar and wind energy due to its vast stretches of open arid land. A German consortium called Desertec Industrial Initiative has even proposed sourcing electricity for Europe from giant solar power stations in the Sahara desert. In theory, African residents themselves can also tap into this potential - if funds for such projects become available to them.

One possible location for large solar-energy projects is Mali, since this Sahel-region country experiences 360 sunny days per year. However, as one of the world's poorest nations, Mali is forced to take a step-by-step approach to such an energy-production endeavor. And, thanks to German help, one of these steps has already been taken.

Taking advantage of a natural resource

The town of Ouelessebougou, three hours' drive from Mali's capital Bamako, is a good example. Here, the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) has helped to set up a company that finds towns and villages which have no form of lighting after sunset and are willing to invest in solar electricity. According to GTZ engineer Moussa Doumbia, in the case of Ouelessebougou, the system has helped to offer "modern energy to 16,000 people."

Ouelessebougou's charging station has been in existence for a few months. It is a small, white, brick building in the town's center. It has 12 solar panels on the roof, which, according to Doumbia, are capable of charging four to five car batteries per day.

"Until now, we always had to take our car batteries to the mill to load them," explained Abdoulaye, a bicycle and moped repairer in Ouelessebougou. "Now, with these solar batteries, it's a lot better, although a bit expensive. But we can finally charge our mobile phones properly and the people are really pleased."

Like all other manual workers in the town, Abdoulaye used to close his workshop at sunset - without artificial light, he had no other choice. Now he can continue to work into the evenings, and as a result, he earns more money.

Of course, not every town resident can afford an electric battery. However, ELCOM - the new electricity company for rural areas - offers affordable loans. And the new batteries stay charged for longer than old-style car batteries. Many families put their money together to purchase one of them.

The town has also become much safer since its market square acquired its first street lamp. Meanwhile, the mayor is proud that the tin roof of the town hall has solar panels now, allowing for light and ventilation in his office.

Thanks to the German aid, Ouelessebougou has not only become a more comfortable place to live, but also a more eco-friendly one. Cooking here was traditionally done in wood-fire ovens, which led to large-scale destruction of local trees. Now, with the new solar technology, the town is taking its first steps toward a more energy-efficient and sustainable future.

Author: Alexander Goebel (ew)

Editor: Louisa Schaefer