Kenya and Uganda’s electricity grids are predominantly powered by renewable energy. Geothermal, wind, hydro, and some utility-scale solar power Kenya’s grid, making up over 90% of the generation mix. In Uganda, hydro makes up most of the generation capacity. Both nations are also faced with the interesting problem of having excess generation capacity.
Forty-nine electric motorcycles raised a lot interest in Nairobi’s Karura Forest on the 2nd of March, as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) launched a pilot electric bikes project in the presence of Kenyan government officials and business leaders. The 49 electric motorcycles are part of a larger pilot program that includes another 50 electric motorcycles in neighboring Uganda.
“The average motorcycle is estimated to be 10 times more polluting per mile than a passenger car, light truck or SUV. Hydrocarbons are dangerous to human health,” said Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County. “Electric motorcycles not only mitigate against this health hazard but also help reduce noise pollution that the rampant increase of petroleum powered motorbikes currently causes in our cities.”
#environment #uganda #kenya #africa #EV
Another example of China representing its interests in Africa. Europe (or the USA) could do it, but we are too preoccupied with our own problems.
Yes China helps Africa out quite a bit. China has been very active at home and abroad in promoting EV manufacturing, and I suspect they’ll clean up in the cost-effective price categories. The shift from oil towards renewable sis also shifting the economics away from the Middle East.