Econet in wind power project
MOBILE
By BiztechAfrica – Nov. 26, 2013, 8:26 p.m.
Econet Wireless has joined an initiative led by Danish wind energy group Vestas to build small wind power generators across Africa. The programme, called Wind For Prosperity, aims to provide power to millions of people living in rural areas and small towns beyond the reach of the grid. The initiative was launched in Washington this week and is a social impact joint venture, led by Vestas and supported by investors, including Econet Wireless.
Econet Wireless founder Strive Masiyiwa, who is also a member of the UN Secretary General’s high level advisory board for sustainable energy, said: “Wind-for-Prosperity is exactly the kind of ambitious and bold initiative that needs pursuing if we are to combat energy poverty. I am a firm believer that we need to think differently and be more creative with technology in order to deliver sustainable sources of power to the millions of people across the world, living beyond the reach of the grid. I am particularly interested in the potential of affordable electricity to boost agricultural productivity and create jobs. I am therefore very pleased that our energy division, which works on renewable energy solutions for Africa, is part of the consortium of investors, who are partnering with Vestas, to create Wind-for-Prosperity, to bring solutions to remote communities in several African countries.”
Wind For Prosperity aims to harness the power of wind energy to generate enough electricity to meet the needs of small communities of up to 20,000 people. There will be sufficient electricity for communities lighting requirements, the pumping of water as well as small cottage industries. Wind for Prosperity, has already completed the first round of financing for its first project which will roll out 13 wind generators in Kenya supplying power to more than 250,000 people.
Masiyiwa added: “This technology is remarkable and will enable us to meet the electricity needs of millions of people across Africa, in a cost-effective and highly flexible way. Econet is already an active player in providing power solutions, using solar power, and sees the use of wind as a natural and complimentary extension to its current work. We at Econet are committed to not only finding solutions for the problems facing people in Africa, but we are committed to renewable solutions.”
