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China and the World Bank Address Energy Security in Ethiopia

Energy Security in EthiopiaEnergy security is a constant concern for sub-Saharan African countries: out of the 20 countries with the largest energy deficits in the world, a staggering 18 are found in the region. At the same time, the area is home to about 80% of the global population lacking access to electricity.

Energy Security in Ethiopia

According to the World Bank, Ethiopia has the third largest energy deficit in Africa, with about half of the population unable to access reliable electricity. There is also a stark rural-urban divide: as of 2022, only 40% of rural households had reliable access to electricity, compared to 93% of urban households. Ethiopia has been making strides on this issue and recently expanded the electricity grid to cover almost 60% of towns and villages.

The main challenge, however, is the lack of adequate energy infrastructure rooted in a broader shortage of resources. Fortunately, several international actors have recently stepped up to help address Ethiopia’s energy gaps, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

China

China has been heavily involved in Ethiopia’s development for more than a decade now, reflected by the fact that Ethiopia is China’s second-largest debtor on the continent. Ethiopia was an early signee to China’s BRI, which has resulted in several multi-million dollar infrastructure projects in the country, including a flagship $5 billion railway from Addis Ababa to Djibouti.

Ethiopia doubled down on this partnership by joining BRICS+ in late 2023. This will grant the country access to BRICS’ multilateral financing institutions, thus paving the way for easier access to Chinese funding in the future. One program with particular appeal for Ethiopia is China’s “Africa Solar Belt” program, which aims to provide solar power to 50,000 African households. Ethiopia also plans to import more than 100,000 electric vehicles and 5,000 electric buses from China in the coming years in a bid to upgrade the country’s transportation infrastructure.

The World Bank

While China has often been Ethiopia’s main development partner, the country also cooperates extensively with the World Bank, primarily on financing. In the realm of energy security, the World Bank recently unveiled a program called Power Sector Reform, Investment and Modernization in Ethiopia (PRIME). This program provides Ethiopia with a “financing envelope” of $1.5 billion, disbursed in multiple phases in the next 10 years, to upgrade its energy sector.

The program focuses on investing in critical energy infrastructure and expanding electricity access more broadly. In an attempt to diversify and stabilize Ethiopia’s energy supply, PRIME will only invest in non-hydropower renewable energy sources since 96% of Ethiopia’s electricity is currently derived from hydropower. Almost all of the funding comes from the IDA, the World Bank’s fund for least-developed countries, with the remainder coming from a green energy trust fund, leaving none of the funding burden on Ethiopia.

Final Thoughts on Energy Security in Ethiopia

While energy security in Ethiopia remains an entrenched issue, the situation is improving: for instance, access to electricity has more than quintupled in the last two decades, rising from about 10% in 2001 to 55% in 2022, according to the World Bank. Furthermore, with Ethiopia’s new membership in BRICS+ and its 10-year financing deal with the World Bank, chances are good that energy security in Ethiopia will continue to improve.

– Kipling Newman

Kipling is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ending Energy Poverty in Cambodia

Energy Poverty in CambodiaAccording to the World Bank, only 9.5% of Cambodians had access to electricity in 2001. As of 2023, that number is now more than 92%. This remarkable accomplishment results from international and local efforts. Furthermore, the initiatives are prominently supported by Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). SDG 7 is a United Nations (U.N.) initiative dedicated to “ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” The Southeast Asian Kingdom is in the final stretch of completing this goal. Energy poverty in Cambodia is close to being completely eradicated.

The Impact of SDG 7

Energy poverty is the “lack of adequate, affordable, reliable, quality, safe and environmentally sound energy services to support development.” Energy poverty and normal poverty are strongly interwoven. Furthermore, inadequate access to energy exacerbates malnutrition, unsanitary living environments and lack of access to jobs and education. Recognizing this, every member of the U.N. came together in 2015 and adopted 17 SDGs to be completed by 2030.

The seventh of these (SDG 7) was directed at ending energy poverty worldwide. This does not only mean providing energy to communities off the grid but also upgrading current grids to increase reliability and reduce cost. Indeed, implementing green energy into the mix and improving the rate of energy efficiency, are also part of the goal. From 2010 to 2021, the global number of people without electricity declined from more than a billion to around 675 million. Asia saw the greatest change, with 425 million people gaining access to power.

The Fastest Electrifying Country

Cambodia’s progress has been remarkable. Since the creation of SDG 7, the Kingdom has increased energy access by 30%, bringing electricity to more than five million people. Between 2010 and 2017, “Cambodia electrified at a rate of 8.3% annually,” making it one of the fastest in the world. The U.N. has worked closely with communities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to end energy poverty in Cambodia.

Additionally, in cities, 97% of this power comes from the national grid instead of imported electricity from neighboring countries or independent mini-grids. In rural areas, 67% comes from the national grid. In hard-to-reach areas that cannot be connected to the main grid, the U.N. implemented solar-powered mini-grids. The grids are self-sustaining and easy to maintain.

The Final Mile

As of 2022, the Electric Authority of Cambodia reported that 350 Cambodian villages are still without power. The government plans to bring electricity to 170 of them before the 2030 SDG deadline. Reaching the remaining 180 towns and eradicating energy poverty is the most difficult task. Many of these communities are beyond distribution networks’ reach, lack roads, are in flood zones or are floating in the sea. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of homes connected to the grid experience power outages.

In response, the Japanese government pledged to support the fight to end energy poverty in Cambodia. Through the U.N., it has committed to providing power to 1,300 households (some 6,000 people) by establishing solar-powered mini-grids. It is also set to strengthen and expand the local community-owned corporations that oversee the electric systems. Recently, the U.N. enlisted the International Cooperation of Cambodia, a local NGO, to build community trust and accelerate the implementation process. While many challenges remain, the U.N. and those involved with SDG 7 are working diligently to help Cambodia achieve 100% electrification.

– Mason Borden

Mason is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Global Engineering Is Helping Impoverished Communities

Global Engineering Is Helping Impoverished CommunitiesThe field of Global Engineering is helping impoverished communities and making significant strides in addressing global poverty at two major U.S. research institutions. In May 2024, the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience (MCGER) at the University of Colorado Boulder partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to visit Armenia in West Asia. The goal of the visit was to improve water management and resources in impoverished Armenian communities.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently established the K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center, thanks to a $28 million donation from philanthropist Lisa Yang. The GEAR Center focuses on applying engineering research to benefit resource-strained communities.

What Is Global Engineering?

Research Universities like the University of Colorado Boulder believe that global engineering is the application of engineering tools and technology to provide equitable access to safe water, sanitation, energy, food, shelter and infrastructure. The university’s ongoing research projects have included delivering cookstoves and water filters to households in Rwanda to prevent disease and providing research analysis on the safety of reconstructed shelters for hurricane disaster relief in the Philippines and Puerto Rico.

Furthermore, in May 2024, the university visited Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, to communicate and train with the Government of Armenia, local communities, students and faculty at Yerevan University on modern water management. University of Colorado Boulder also provided a program for Armenian students to understand water resource management, simulation modeling and data analytics.

Engineering is helping address the fact that billions of people worldwide face threats to their health due to poverty. At MIT’s new GEAR Center, a team of MIT researchers and engineers plan to utilize new technologies and science to face real-world global health issues. The team has already visited the Middle East and North Africa, providing water-saving and solar-powered irrigation solutions through exploratory field research.

The Future of Global Engineering?

The global engineering program at the University of Colorado wants to continue to evolve engineering education to adapt to the changing world. The program wants to train future engineers not just in science and technology but also in global development and equity. An interdisciplinary approach to the field of engineering means knowing how engineers can help global poverty reduction and improve the livelihood of people on a global scale.

At MIT, global engineering is helping a new generation of engineers apply research and design strategies to help impoverished communities and meet global challenges. “These talented young students, postdocs and staff have the potential to reach across disciplines — and across the globe — to truly transform the impact engineering can have in the future,” said Dean of Engineering Anantha Chandrakasan.

– Jacob Buckner

Jacob is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Romania: A New Way To Fight Poverty

Renewable Energy in RomaniaRomania is a semi-presidential republic located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, with a population of more than 19 million citizens. Like many other developing countries, much of its population suffers from energy poverty, defined as a lack of access to modern energy services in homes that negatively impacts one’s physical health, mental well-being and living standards. Nevertheless, Romania has been steadily progressing toward the European Union’s (EU) goal of full electrification with the breakthrough of new renewable energy projects.

The Extent of Energy Poverty in Romania

Almost a third of the Romanian population (28%) is affected by energy poverty, experiencing difficulties paying their bills on time and being unable to heat their homes properly. Moreover, about 7% of all households have no access to affordable energy sources at all. This issue partially stems from economic struggles, including regional disparities, weak institutions and skilled labor shortages, resulting in severe inequality throughout the country.

According to the World Bank, Romania’s Gini index of equivalized disposable income reached 34.3 in 2020, the fourth highest in the EU. The bottom 40% of society is largely disconnected and lives in impoverished, rural areas, which limits their access to productive jobs. However, there is hope for the future as Romania’s poverty rate declined significantly from 27.8% in 2015 to 10.7% in 2020, with economic growth accelerating due to rising disposable incomes, increased private consumption and new EU-financed investments.

Clean Energy: Out With the Old, in With the New

Despite growing concerns, Romania’s solar and wind energy output has remained flat since 2014 due to a lack of funding. However, in March 2024, the European Commission approved funding for €3 billion (approximately $3.24 billion) under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework to support the construction of new solar photovoltaic facilities and onshore wind farms.

The fund will be split between installing three gigawatts of solar energy and two gigawatts of wind energy. One gigawatt of solar or wind energy can power approximately 750,000 homes per year, representing a significant step forward to supporting clean energy sectors and reducing fossil fuel dependencies.

These new solar and wind farms will also promote equality, as they will be built in remote rural areas with the highest rates of energy poverty. They will allow for decentralized power generation that will help stabilize and prevent future disruptions or blackouts. Opening up new solar and wind plants will also allow for new job opportunities, not only providing long-term benefits for energy usage but also regarding education and training.

Furthermore, compared to traditional fossil-fueled power plants, solar and wind farms require less continuous maintenance and simultaneously benefit the environment, so through this plan, more homes will have access to reliable, clean and affordable power without electricity and restore their heating systems. An expert from the Romanian Energy Poverty Observatory stated, “Energy is a basic need. The poorest consumers prefer to put less food on the table but not stay in the dark or cold.”

Thus, not only will this plan raise the standard of living within the communities, but Romania as a whole will experience both economic and societal benefits with an increase in productivity and the overall standard of living within all communities.

Big Plans for the Future

Looking ahead, the Social Climate Fund has initiated discussions about a €6 billion (about $6.48 billion) fund for Romania to continue supporting efforts to reduce its energy poverty rate to the national level, set to occur from 2026 to 2032. The fund has a diverse range of purposes, which include transitioning the rural community’s inefficient housing structure from thin panel-type building blocks and adopting new heating appliances rather than continuing to rely on a mix of wood, gas and coal.

Moreover, it will help vulnerable groups pay energy bills and access transportation services. This action, alongside other subsidized government programs, will allow Romania to have the needed support in combating increasing consumer costs and reaching its aim of raising the share of renewable energy consumption to 30.7% by 2030.

– Kewe Chen

Kewe is based in Memphis, TN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Poverty and Electricity in Indonesia

Electricity in IndonesiaAs of March 2023, Indonesia faces significant challenges, with 25.9 million of its populace living in poverty. The country struggles with inadequate housing, insufficient access to clean water and frequent food shortages. Additionally, 30 million people lack reliable electricity in Indonesia, for heating or cooking. The government recognizes the urgency of this issue. It is striving to provide essential electrical services to households in dire need.

Generating Wealth Through Electricity

On March 1, 2024, BPS reported an 8.47% increase in food prices, significantly affecting staples such as rice, peppers and oils. This price hike further exacerbates the challenges faced by Indonesia’s impoverished communities. In response, many are focusing on energy costs to secure adequate heating and cooking resources.

Proper energy access can boost household income by 21% and reduce the yearly poverty rate by 1.5%. The installation, training and maintenance of energy facilities and outreach properties generate jobs. Between 2.1 and 3.7 million jobs are estimated to be created by 2030 in Indonesia’s mission for cleaner and more efficient energy. Significant employment and distribution of energy in Indonesia are under review as it transitions to clean energy compared to its recent 61.5% reliance on coal for energy.

The Renewable Energy Skills Development Project

With clean energy in scope, Indonesia is heavily investing in skills development through the Renewable Energy Skills Development Project. This initiative aims to train and increase the number of qualified staff for the planning, maintenance and design of energy plants. This will ensure that expertise is more accessible. By providing education and higher-paying job opportunities in the energy sector, the project not only improves energy accessibility but also boosts household incomes.

The positive impacts are substantial. Developing a skilled renewable energy workforce positions Indonesia as a global leader in sustainable energy. Additionally, it will enhance energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, higher household incomes increase consumer spending, stimulate local businesses and foster economic growth. Improved financial stability leads to better access to education and health care, enhancing overall quality of life.

The focus on renewable energy attracts innovation and foreign investment, further driving economic development. This comprehensive investment in skills development and renewable energy ensures sustainable economic growth, better living standards and a healthier environment for future generations, highlighting the extensive benefits of this strategic initiative.

Policies and Electricity in Indonesia

Indonesia’s Electricity Law ensures affordable, high-quality electricity, prioritizing domestic energy for sustainability. Law No. 15 of 1985 allowed limited IPP participation, expanded by Law No. 20 of 2002. However, this was revoked in 2004 to keep control under the government. Law No. 30 of 2009 confirmed PLN (State Electricity Company) as the primary provider, though private businesses can now obtain supply licenses. Regulations from 2006 to 2013 introduced feed-in tariffs for renewable energy, requiring PLN to purchase from small- and medium-scale sources.

The Indonesian government plans to leverage the power sector to achieve emission reductions in line with NDC targets. With a current 5% growth in demand driven by a 5-6% increase in electricity consumption, Indonesia has significant potential for solar energy. The government aims to achieve a primary energy mix of 23% from new and renewable resources by 2025, increasing to 31% by 2050. This is outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 22/2017 on the General Plan for National Energy (RUEN). This transition is supported by the 2022 regulations that endorsed energy transfer policies.

– Demi Olin

Demi is based in Huntington, WV, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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UN Initiatives To Address Severe Drought in Zambia

Drought in ZambiaIn February of 2024, the president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, declared a national emergency due to significant drought and widespread hunger. The 2023-2024 rain season, which usually begins in September or October, instead began in January and lasted only one month. Since then, almost no rain has fallen. The United Nations (U.N.) estimates that the drought has destroyed more than two million hectares of crop fields and affects about 9 million people country-wide.

In response to the drought, which is considered Zambia’s worst drought in 20 years, the U.N. allocated $5.5 million in relief funding. In early May of 2024, the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) submitted an appeal for another $228 million in funding. This additional aid, if approved, will bolster humanitarian efforts to address the drought in Zambia.

Rainfall and Crop Production

Zambia relies on rainfall for crop production and inconsistent rainfall means a serious lack of food. When subsistence farmers cannot harvest crops to feed their families, their only option is to purchase food. But even the commercial farmers who supply that food are struggling. As food production becomes more constrained, costs skyrocket, leaving millions hungry.

Alternative water collection methods, such as irrigation systems, are expensive and, therefore, not widely used in Zambia. Commercial farmers can sometimes obtain loans, which enable them to install such technology. However, subsistence farmers, without a consistent source of revenue, are often unable to receive such funding. The drought’s impact is felt most strongly among small-scale farmers who cannot water their crops, have no funding to install water technology and have limited means to purchase food.

Hydroelectricity

The drought in Zambia has extensive consequences beyond the food crisis. Zambia relies largely on hydroelectric power for its energy needs; about 80% of its total power is derived from hydroelectric sources. Low water supply has forced Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), which supplies about 95% of the country’s energy needs, to limit power generation to only eight hours per day.

This widespread energy crisis has far-reaching consequences. According to the World Bank, “lack of reliable electricity severely restricts the country’s potential for improving per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and reducing poverty.” Furthermore, “increasing rural access to modern energy promotes social cohesion and assists the government in economic development initiatives.”

National Government’s Proposed Solutions

Zambia’s legislature has proposed realigning the national budget to allocate more funding toward drought relief. It also offers loans to subsistence farmers to install irrigation technology. For the most vulnerable people who simply have no access to food, Zambia plans to enhance its Social Cash Transfer Program (SCT), which aims to reduce extreme poverty.

To prevent future crises, Zambia plans to diversify its energy mix by adding other renewable sources, such as wind and solar. Relying less heavily on hydroelectric power will help mitigate the effects of future droughts on the nation’s farmers. The Zambian government has been in a debt restructuring process for three years, constraining its ability to give loans and direct cash aid to starving families. Hichilema is calling on the nation’s creditors to expedite the process, stating that “if this process does not close, it’s not just an indictment on Zambia but the global system.”

UN Initiatives

The World Food Programme (WFP), a branch of the United Nations, is working with Zambia to combat the current crisis. Its efforts include distributing food, using boreholes to find clean water and updating the country’s water technology systems. Cindy McCain, the executive director of the WFP, explains that the relief effort must focus on both long-term and short-term goals.

According to McCain, the short-term priority is increasing food availability. In contrast, long-term relief efforts would focus on preventative measures, such as installing irrigation systems and distributing drought-resilient seeds. The crucial first step is securing the additional $228 million in aid requested by OCHA. This funding infusion will greatly help the national government, the U.N. and other nongovernmental organizations meet the needs of the nation’s struggling farmers.

– Maren Fossum-Wernick

Maren is based in St. Paul, MN, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Updates on SDG 7 in Lebanon

Updates on SDG 7 in LebanonThe country of Lebanon is engaged in a war which the actual state of Lebanon has neither the power to begin or end, and has been suffering from the same financial crisis since 2019. In addition to a refugee crisis that has heightened sectarian strife to unprecedented levels, an energy shortage seems to be a little more than the country can handle. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, however, have halted much of the damage of these issues, and in some areas such as renewable energy has begun reversing them. Here are the updates on SDG 7 in Lebanon.

What Is Wrong With Lebanon’s Energy Sector?

Since the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), the Lebanese people have been suffering from an electricity shortage, forcing the state-owned electricity company Électricité du Liban (EDL) to ration out its supply, ranging from three to six hours every day.

For the rest of the day, Lebanese people have to manage their own energy source, with most of the population renting out private generators and hooking them directly to their house supplies. The hyperinflation of the Lebanese Lira (145%) meant that fossil fuels were up to six times more expensive. Up to 90% of households cut back on their energy costs to afford basic services. Also, 20% of low-income households were not able to afford generators at all. 

U.N.’s “Lebanon Green Investment Facility”

As a result of Lebanon’s inefficient, expensive and polluting electrical infrastructure, there has been an interesting pivot toward renewable energy, namely solar. However, because of poor toxic waste management and the lack of trust the Lebanese people have toward private initiatives, the “solar revolution” has yet to take off. 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) saw the potential of this nascent revolution. In collaboration with Cedar Oxygen SAS and the Ministry of Environment, it created the “Lebanon Green Investment Facility.”  

This private investment impact fund aims to help Lebanon decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, with an emphasis on “renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and climate-smart infrastructure […].”

Today’s Updates on SDG 7 in Lebanon

Since the initiation of the Sustainable Development Program in 2015, the United Nations has facilitated the entry of almost $60 million into Lebanon towards building the necessary infrastructure for renewable energy. 

The America Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), which is partnered with the UNHCR and UNICEF, is an example of one of these businesses that is seeking to revolutionize Lebanon’s renewable energy sector. Along with Direct Relief, ANERA has, since 2022, begun funding solar panel installation in medical centers, successfully increasing patient capacity by 32%. 

Since 90% of Lebanon’s population lives in urban areas, ANERA has shifted its focus to some of the country’s most underserved areas. This includes Akkar, Tripoli and Saida. The installation of solar arrays at centers there will provide uninterrupted electricity to more than 100,000 people.

The United Nations’ updates on SDG 7 in Lebanon have shown some improvement in the energy sector. We now know that not only is this feat possible, but that it will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, positively impacting most if not all of Lebanon’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

– Carl Massad

Carl is based in Chandler, AZ, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Avani’s Pine Needle Power Plants

Avani's Pine Needle Power Plants Boost Jobs and Energy in UttarakhandElectricity comes from various sources such as wind, water and sunlight. Yet, an unconventional source, pine needle, generates power in the sub-central Himalayas through gasification, a process managed by a nonprofit called Avani Bio Energy, part of the larger nonprofit Avani.

Avani, a nonprofit organization, simultaneously focuses on creating jobs and reliable energy. It promotes “community-centric rural development” in the Kumaon region to enable residents to become self-sufficient, given the limited government employment opportunities in the area. Additionally, Avani introduces sustainable practices for energy and resource creation.

The earliest inception of the pine needle power plant project was in 2006 to provide power for Avanis Campus in Tripuradevi but it became its own established energy company, Avani Bio Energy, in 2012. Since then the project has expanded its reach to 9 surrounding communities with each plant supporting around 3,000 people.

The Nonprofits History

Avani began in 1997 as a branch of the Barefoot College in Tilonia. Still, she established itself as a nonprofit in 1999 when founders Bharti and Rajnish Jain moved from Delhi to the Himalayas and saw how the locals in rural areas lacked adequate access to electricity. Since then, Alvani has worked with 60 communities in the Kumaon region on various initiatives that create jobs and reliable energy sources in rural areas, often through “reviving traditional crafts”.

The first of its many initiatives included bringing 3000 solar-powered lights to 25 communities in the region in 1999. A community-run weaving program was also created as part of this plan, to employ villagers and provide them with enough income to pay for the solar panels. The pine needle power plants are another example of Avani’s work to bring sustainable electricity to rural communities and help combat the environmental and financial issues pine needles cause.

Pine Needle Power Plants

In the Kumaon forests, a thick layer of pine needles prevents water from seeping into the soil below, creating dry conditions conducive to wildfires. These fires, fueled by flammable pine needles, devastate biodiversity and farmland. Locals collect these pine needles to fuel gasification plants that generate sustainable electricity for approximately 3,000 people per facility. Additionally, the gasification process produces charcoal, which the community uses as a cleaner alternative to firewood, helping to reduce deforestation and pollution. Overall, this initiative tackles poverty by preventing forest fires that endanger the natural resources and livelihoods of 7,500 farmers, generating jobs and reliable, clean, accessible affordable energy, offering a natural and economical alternative to kerosene and curbing deforestation.

Throughout this project, as well as all of the other ones, maintaining a connection to local cultures is important for Avani. Alvani’s three principles are working for the people, the planet and prosperity. Job initiatives always tie to skills that locals have traditionally practiced, such as weaving, spinning and dyeing fabrics, this way, Avani can develop these communities while incorporating their way of life and their traditional knowledge and keeping both intact.

Recent Accomplishments

Avani Bio Energy actively pursues its mission and recently participated in the United Nations (U.N.) SDG Impact Challenge at the University of Waterloo. This event saw students competing to develop sustainable initiatives, with Waterloo students working together on sustainable solutions. Additionally, Avani Bio Energy earned runner-up status for the St. Andrews Prize for the Environment in 2022, underscoring its commitment to enhancing financial health in communities through ongoing sustainable projects.

– Emily Shapiro
Photo: Unsplash

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Germany’s Efforts to Curb Energy Poverty

Energy PovertyGermany has typically received most of its oil and gas imports from Russia, being more reliant on them than any other EU country. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, these imports have plummeted, through EU sanctions and pipeline closures by Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy conglomerate. Germany has further committed to ending all reliance on fuel from Russia by 2024. Making this transition quickly is a monumental task, compounded by worldwide inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic. As Germany’s energy market struggles to maintain affordable fuel for its citizens, many Germans are at risk of falling into energy poverty. Many different solutions are needed to combat this issue, such as reducing fuel usage, restructuring affordability, and finding alternative uses for fuel.

The German Gas Market

Natural gas accounts for 27% of Germany’s energy. Before the Ukrainian invasion, 55% of it came from Russia. EU sanctions and the partial closure of the Russian-owned Nord Stream pipeline has caused significant disruption to Germany’s energy market. Since natural gas is mainly used in Germany for heating homes and other buildings, there is a risk of many Germans falling into energy poverty this coming winter.

Energy Poverty in Germany

Energy poverty is when the cost of purchasing energy impacts one’s ability to cover other bills and expenses, or when a reduction in energy consumption impacts mental and physical health. One in four Germans are currently energy impoverished, up from one in six in 2018. The poor and disenfranchised are far more likely than others to slip into energy poverty. A member of Germany’s lower-middle class is now twice as likely to fall under the “energy poor” category compared to only one year ago. The German government is scrambling to ease the pressure of increasing prices for suppliers and consumers.

Germany’s Efforts to Curb Energy Poverty

One of Germany’s efforts to curb energy poverty is through reducing the use of natural gas, through both energy-saving measures and switching to different fuels. Most public buildings are lowering their thermostats, and monuments will no longer be lit at night. Heated swimming pools are banned. Germans are being encouraged to take cold showers. The government is also reducing taxes on other forms of fuel, giving discounts to people who switch to public transportation, and reopening old coal power plants.

Another measure in Germany’s efforts to curb energy poverty is a new gas levy, or tax, for consumers, which will be in place from October 2022 through April 2024. While this will alleviate the pressure of surging prices from suppliers to help them remain solvent, there are concerns that it will push many vulnerable Germans into energy poverty. To counteract this, the government is giving subsidies to low-income households and households with children.

The German government is also shoring up gas reserves for the winter, when need will be the highest. As of early September 2022, gas reserves had reached 80% capacity, which is much earlier than expected. The filled gas reserves will help stabilize the supply during the winter, and reduce the risk of people becoming energy impoverished.

The subsidies, gas reserves, and the cutting of gas usage will save thousands from pressures of gas usage, and ease some of the burdens off the market. Reduced market burdens will give Germany’s efforts to curb energy poverty the time to stabilize the market, stop German citizens from falling into energy poverty, and lift those who have out.

– Clara Mulvihill
Photo: Flickr

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Is Thorium-Based Nuclear Energy a Viable Solution?

Thorium-Based Nuclear EnergyThe 2021-2022 global energy crisis is the most recent in a series of energy shortages in the last 50 years. However, because of the rise in gas prices along with the strain on the world oil supply caused by the Russia-Ukraine War, impoverished countries reliant on oil and gas as their primary sources of energy are affected by this crisis much more. Now more than ever, the importance of alternative energy sources, such as thorium-based nuclear energy, is evident as countries reliant on the now strangled supply of oil and gas face struggles.

What is Causing Increased Energy Prices?

The primary source of energy in the world is usually a type of fossil fuel such as oil, natural gas and coal.

However, as a result of the current global energy crisis, every form of fossil fuel has rocketed in price. Due to the sudden hike in prices, some countries could find it difficult to afford their required quantities of fossil fuels. As such, countries could be unable to obtain enough energy-producing resources.

What is Thorium?

Thorium is a naturally occurring, slightly radioactive element that can be used to derive nuclear energy. It is also far less radioactive than uranium.

Thorium does not contain fissile material and therefore it is far safer than uranium. It can be immediately switched off in the case of a disaster, preventing a meltdown, while the latter will continue to produce energy during a disaster, causing a meltdown to occur.

Along with being safer, thorium is cheaper and more plentiful compared to uranium as well. This is partly because the concentration of uranium within the earth’s crust is far less abundant than thorium, making uranium much rarer. This could make thorium-based nuclear energy a much more affordable option.

How Thorium Can Help Energy Shortages?

While the initial cost of mining thorium and constructing power plants would be costly, it is an investment that could pay off in the long run. Thorium is extremely efficient when compared to the most commonly used sources of energy in the developing world. For instance, a ton of thorium is equivalent to around 3.5 million tons of coal.

Even when compared to other nuclear resources, thorium still holds out as superior to uranium, to which thorium is around 200 times as efficient.

Throughout history, energy sustainability has been one of the forefront issues when dealing with fossil fuels. This is especially true in developing nations, as many rely on coal as their main source of energy.

However, due to recent developments in nuclear technology, thorium-based nuclear energy puts humanity a step forward in achieving energy sustainability. The use of thorium could possibly eliminate one of the biggest problems faced by those in poverty, being a reliable source of energy that does not cause frequent power outages while being able to readily supply heat.

Hope for the Future

Energy crises are complex and even life-threatening disasters. In developed countries like the U.S., reserved power and backup sources of deriving energy encourage recovery. However, even with these resources, truly getting out of an energy crisis could take years; if unsuccessful, many could lose their jobs/livelihoods along with losing their comfortable standards of living.

In developing countries, years easily turn into lifetime struggles with a crisis that could prevent much of their population from advancing out of poverty. Fortunately, many countries in the developing world are realizing the potential of nuclear power and are funding programs to provide its energy to their citizens.

For example, in 2021, Nigeria established the Russian-Nigerian Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) which plans to build the largest nuclear power plant in Africa by the end of the decade.

In 2018, Bangladesh’s signed into law the funding for a second VVER-1200 nuclear power plant, one of the most efficient in the world.

While thorium-based nuclear energy may not be the perfect solution to the energy problem, it certainly could be a good start in helping those in poverty live a life without energy instability.

– Humzah Ahmad
Photo: Flickr