Africa is already discovering brand new possibilities that renewable energy provides. The African Union has pledged a $20 billion investment over the next decade. In East Africa, pay-as-you-go solar energy services are already proving a mainstream success. In West Africa, things are still at an early experimental stage. One such experiment is a solar-powered football pitch which also uses kinetic energy generated by footballers playing. One of the first successful installations of kinetic tiles under a turf field is in Lagos, Nigeria. The city is experiencing extreme overcrowding and overpopulation. The current population is nearly 17 million people and is putting a very serious strain on the power grid. Kinetic technology makes use of pitch ‘tiles’ which generate electricity by capturing kinetic energy from footfall. The harnessed energy can power low voltage systems, like streetlights, or store electricity for later consumption. The use of kinetic tiles on this field produces a clean, sustainable source of energy that will help diminish the high demands of the country. It may seem unnecessary to place kinetic tiles in a developing country. However, developing countries are on the rise as they finally break into modern technologies. That being said, this means there will be a continuous increase in power demands. That’s why this source of clean energy is perfect not only for Lagos, but locations around the world. In countries like Nigeria, technologies that generate power without relying on the grid hold particular promise. Nearly half of Nigeria’s population lacks access to electricity. In Lagos, 80 percent of people rely on diesel generators to keep the lights on. Renewable, off-grid energy sources can help expand electricity access faster and at a lower cost than diesel generators. They can also provide energy more reliably than centralized grids. The sport of soccer is one of Nigeria’s most prized past times. In recent years, popularity for the sport has reached an all-time high. This means that millions of Lagos citizens are potentially running around on these kinetic tiles. While enjoying their favorite sport, they are also provided for not only their families but others as well. Even though kinetic tiles are probably not going to provide a solution to all power problems plaguing areas of the world, they are still a viable solution to some. The fact that Africa has been successful so far in their new technological endeavors provides hope for other communities that suffer from the same issues. These kinetic tiles can also be installed and used in areas that do not suffer from lack of power. Locations around the world that want to find ways to clean up the environment and ensure its longevity can find kinetic tiles extremely beneficial. This is why GGG believes that Northfield would be a perfect location. This Vermont town is very careful about the negative effects they can have on the environment. The people of Northfield are always looking for new ways to “go green” and make the world a better place. The future of green energy is upon us.
Commentaires