September
12
A web site for the Lighting Africa initiative
has been unveiled. The initiative aims to use high-tech compact fluorescent
light bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) powered by renewable energy
sources like solar and wind power and micro gas and mechanical means like hand
cranking and pedal power to illuminate homes, businesses, health centers and
other sites that aren’t connected to the power grid by 2030. The project will
help bring light to 250 million Sub-Saharan Africans who don’t have
electricity. The new lighting will be portable, durable, and cheaper, safer,
and cleaner than lighting whose energy comes from the burning of kerosene and
other fossil fuels. The initiative is being led by The World Bank, International Finance Corporation
and other development organizations. More information is available in a press release. UN Pulse Permanent Link: Lighting Africa