At present, the average price of electricity coming from diesel fuel generators at mining sites in Africa is $0.30/kWh*. The average price of solar power generated electricity, on the other hand, is only $0.17/kWh * -, almost half the cost of diesel fuel. However, saving money is not the only concern for solar experts and enthusiasts. Reducing diesel use also means lowering or even eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, as well as improving the quality of health and life for mining and agricultural business employees all over the African continent.
| "At present, the average price of diesel fuel generators at mining sites in Africa costs $0.30/kWh."
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“Focusing on large diesel consuming industries in Africa that can replace part of their overall consumption with solar would not only save money, but also reduces the risk of volatility that accompanies the use of diesel,” offers Mr. Koot of Solarplaza. “Solar can be used anywhere that the sun shines and is one of the best distributed renewable energies. It’s an extremely viable solution in Africa because of its competitiveness and cost reductions,” illustrates Koot. When discussing the global impact of the newly competitive solar era that has the potential to revamp mining and agricultural businesses in Africa, Mr. Koot explained, “Diesel replacement in Africa will have a positive impact on the rest of the world. Not only will there be an increase in opportunities for other countries to get involved by way of educating African businesses on the benefits of solar, but we can also expect to see an increase in jobs. Diesel replacement in Africa will indubitably empower global relations, and that is always a good thing.”
| "The competitive solar era has in fact arrived and will only continue to grow exponentially" |
Previously, solar energy existed primarily in a highly incentivized era. The idea that countries such as Germany, which is the current leader in use of PV power, could now utilize solar to provide approximately one-quarter of all energy to the homes and businesses of its entire population of 80.7 million, seemed unobtainable. However, the competitive solar era has in fact arrived and due to its lack of volatility, will only continue to grow exponentially as more countries are educated about the massive benefits which solar provides.
*Note from the editor: The numbers represented here are an average from various countries in Africa. Solarplaza understands that Africa is a large continent with great variations between countries and geographical locations, and cannot therefore definitively claim that such prices would be applicable throughout the entire continent.
About Solarplaza
Solarplaza.com is the independent global platform for knowledge, trade and events for the photovoltaic solar energy (PV) industry. Solarplaza is based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and has already organized over 60 conferences and trade missions in including, but not limited to, Greece, the United States, India, China, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, South Africa, and Spain.
Alexandra Mebane
Phone: +31 10 280 9198
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.solarplaza.com
