Subscribe free to our newsletters via your
. Energy News .




ENERGY NEWS
US House approves major Africa power bid
by Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) May 08, 2014


The US House of Representatives on Thursday approved a plan to bring power to 50 million Africans to boost the continent's development and growth, clearing a key political hurdle.

The Electrify Africa Act -- which accompanies a major initiative for Africa unveiled last year by President Barack Obama -- aims to install 20,000 megawatts of electricity by 2020 in the continent where power shortages have impeded education, health and economic growth.

The House approved the act by 297-117, with 17 lawmakers not voting. Half of the Republican Party, which is the majority, voted against the act with conservatives saying that Africa should not be a priority amid economic concerns at home.

Supporters including the House Republican leadership countered that the plan would not cost US taxpayers and would benefit US exporters. Funding for energy projects would come from the private sector, with US-backed finance institutions including the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) offering credit guarantees.

"With today's passage of the Electrify Africa Act, millions in Africa are closer to having access to electricity in their homes, businesses and hospitals," said Representative Ed Royce, a Republican who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"With this bill we help African people and businesses reach their full potential at no additional cost to the US."

The bill still needs approval from the Senate, which is under the control of Obama's Democratic Party. Only one Democrat in the House voted against.

The Electrify Africa Act had been held up for months as industry groups sought to loosen US restrictions that force OPIC to avoid investment in projects with intense greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.

General Electric, a top US company, said that it supported renewable energy but that it was unrealistic to shun gas and other fossil fuels in Africa.

The move brought vehement objections from environmentalists, who said that the act offered a chance for a new direction and that Africa was especially vulnerable to climate change. In a compromise, the final bill does not address the issue.

Justin Guay of the Sierra Club environmental group voiced concern that industry groups would try again in the Senate version but said he was hopeful over the final outcome.

With some 550 million Africans lacking reliable power, Obama has identified electricity as the latest big US initiative for the continent after former president George W. Bush's efforts to tackle diseases including HIV/AIDS.

.


Related Links







Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle








ENERGY NEWS
Geothermal Industry celebrates Awareness Day as sector readies for Summit
Washington DC (SPX) May 08, 2014
On Monday, May 5, the geothermal industry will recognize Geothermal Awareness Day in California (#GeothermalDay2014) with a slate of activities in Sacramento and beyond, including a call for entries for GEA Honors, the Geothermal Energy Association's annual awards program. "There is a growing need to educate Californians about the benefits of geothermal energy, and Geothermal Awareness Day ... read more


ENERGY NEWS
Caltech's Sustainability Institute Gets Funding to Solve Global Energy Problems

US House approves major Africa power bid

Changing Renewable Energy Target would damage investment and throw away jobs

Germany now EU's worst polluter as CO2 emissions rise

ENERGY NEWS
Why Hasn't The US Gone After Gazprom?

Vietnam sea spat part of China's larger strategy: experts

Alaska governor signs natural gas bill pipeline measure

Upton drafts bill to ease cross-border energy permits

ENERGY NEWS
Offshore wind supported with U.S. federal funding

GDF Suez, others, selected to build offshore wind farms

U.S. moves closer to first-ever offshore wind farm

Irish 'green paper' outlines transition to a low-carbon economy

ENERGY NEWS
AREVA commissions molten salt energy storage demonstration

IEA says extra $44 tn needed for clean energy future

Sun sets on Spaniards' solar power dreams

More people getting their paychecks from renewable energy sector, study finds

ENERGY NEWS
Obama sends Vietnam nuclear deal to Congress

Fewer US nuclear plants could curb climate change fight

Westinghouse Expands to Meet Latin America's Energy Needs

Exelon buys Pepco for $6.83 bn in energy deal

ENERGY NEWS
Plants' Oil-Desaturating Enzymes Pair Up to Channel Metabolites

SE Asia palm oil problems could hit consumers worldwide

Fueling aviation with hardwoods

ACCESS II Alternative Jet Fuel Flight Tests Begin May 7, 2014

ENERGY NEWS
New satellite launch center to conduct joint drill

China issues first assessment on space activities

China launches experimental satellite

Tiangong's New Mission

ENERGY NEWS
US warns of wide climate impact

New study sheds light on global warming trends

UN chief urges 'bold' action to curb global warming

White House pushes climate change efforts




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.