Inadequate power supply adversely hinders online and traditional education development in higher institutions in Africa
Fri, 07/10/2009 - 05:41
What education technology development are we considering in the absence of adequate power supply in most African countries? What powers the "free" laptops? How will research be conducted where there is permanent power outage? How will the students study effectively and the teachers adequately prepare their courses without adequate power supply? There are abundant, in-expensive and in-exhaustible renewable energy sources in Africa to power our electricity supply, but almost all the African nations restrict themselves to very expensive fossil energy supply which they import at highly expensive cost at the expense of other relevant development projects. Even some of those who produce this crude fossil energy resource still import the refined products. Any discussion on education development in
Fri, 07/10/2009 - 11:40
#2
I do not know any African University that is using solar power. I recall having spoken forcefully about it in a conference at a university..
I did work on a project for a university. It consisted of the digitization of campus life. The simple idea was to have a chip in the Identity card and link the chip to the registry, finance dept, food dept, security and ATMs on campus. The idea was that students could swipe the ID card for food services, class attendance, payments, monitoring of grades and academic data, ATM cash withdrawals, going out and coming in through the major gate of the campus etc..
All of that needed to be built on a solid tech backend.. And you just could not imagine the server room going down. So the servers were hooked to rechargable batteries!
But then, when there is power outage and the servers are up, all other system on campus is down. So the issue remains..
I did work on a project for a university. It consisted of the digitization of campus life. The simple idea was to have a chip in the Identity card and link the chip to the registry, finance dept, food dept, security and ATMs on campus. The idea was that students could swipe the ID card for food services, class attendance, payments, monitoring of grades and academic data, ATM cash withdrawals, going out and coming in through the major gate of the campus etc..
All of that needed to be built on a solid tech backend.. And you just could not imagine the server room going down. So the servers were hooked to rechargable batteries!
But then, when there is power outage and the servers are up, all other system on campus is down. So the issue remains..
Fri, 07/10/2009 - 12:06
#3
hey nnenna:
they used rechargeable batteries to supply the server when the current electricity supply is unavailable? weren't the costs for such a solution even higher then, as a first step the solar power supply for the server-farm and secondly a restructuring of the whole university electricity supply?
Fri, 07/10/2009 - 12:35
#4
Hi Felix. Of course the costs are high! In fact, I am still looking for funding for that university to begin powering certain critical parts of the campus on solar. So far, not too far..
The better-than-bad option they have now is to divide the campus into sub sections as per power plan. The sections get petrol-powered electricity generators. Since generators only serve sections, you find out that each dept invests in a generator..
So 'light' does not go out everywhere at the same time on campus..
Voila!
The better-than-bad option they have now is to divide the campus into sub sections as per power plan. The sections get petrol-powered electricity generators. Since generators only serve sections, you find out that each dept invests in a generator..
So 'light' does not go out everywhere at the same time on campus..
Voila!
Sat, 07/11/2009 - 00:48
#5
I appreciate your compliments along with your suggestions, Ulf. Thanks to other participants for their contribution so far. It is now clear that one of the most important challenges to qualitative and quantitative education development in Africa is power supply. Solar energy is identified as the most feasibe, reliable, sustainable and renewable source. Some secondary schools in Jigawa Sate and Abuja, in Nigeria, have solar powered ICT labs. SKY2NET LIMITED of UK (www.sky2net.net) has designed a solar powered ICT classroom model which can be adapted for ODeL purpose and community centre use in Africa. It was exhibited during the recently concluded eLearning Africa Conference held in Dakar, (www.elearningafrica.com) , Senegal. SKY2NET LTD reportedly built a model solar powered ICT classroom/community centre in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, in 2007, (www.sky2net.net) . This is the type of solution we need in Africa. The very large out - of - school population in Africa covers both the children and adults, most essentially the resistive and vibrant youths. This solution will provide continued education for the working group with a resultant higher productivity improvement at all levels. Such facility will serve our desire to reduce emphasis on the qualitatively and quantitatively inadequate traditional face - to - face lecture halls and classrooms. The University 2.0 can then be revolved round this concept, facilitated by solar power supply.
Sat, 07/11/2009 - 03:20
#6
Hi Adejare,
Thanks for raising and pursuing this topic of inadequate and unreliable power supply. Its one of the first issues that is always used to object to any attempts to introduce ICTs to education in African countries.
A brief explanation for anyone here without experience of power supply issues in Africa:
In many countries this would be a problem for resolution by the the state and the market through large scale generation and transmission systems. However in many African countries the state has limited capacity both operationally and in terms of policy framework and the conditions in the market don't encourage large scale commercial investment in generating and power transmission capacity. The result is regular and unpredictable power cuts ... often to the point where power supply is is seen as the exception and power cut as normal...
So this means its left to each household and organisation to fend for themselves. Across large swathes of Africa those who can buy petrol powered generators which addresses the issue of reliable power but pushes up the cost of electricity in terms of fuel, maintenance, pollution and safety risks.
Adejare, I can see why solar power has such appeal for you. Like the ubiquitous petrol powered generators it provides a reliable supply of power. Besides this there are minimal operating costs and maintenance after the initial investment and installation with no downside in terms of pollution or health and safety risks. Trouble is that small scale solar generation is still likely to be more expensive than petrol powered generators in the short run and thats what often drives investment choices by schools and universities.
Do you know of any initiatives that are addressing the economic viability of solar energy projects?
Thanks for raising and pursuing this topic of inadequate and unreliable power supply. Its one of the first issues that is always used to object to any attempts to introduce ICTs to education in African countries.
A brief explanation for anyone here without experience of power supply issues in Africa:
In many countries this would be a problem for resolution by the the state and the market through large scale generation and transmission systems. However in many African countries the state has limited capacity both operationally and in terms of policy framework and the conditions in the market don't encourage large scale commercial investment in generating and power transmission capacity. The result is regular and unpredictable power cuts ... often to the point where power supply is is seen as the exception and power cut as normal...
So this means its left to each household and organisation to fend for themselves. Across large swathes of Africa those who can buy petrol powered generators which addresses the issue of reliable power but pushes up the cost of electricity in terms of fuel, maintenance, pollution and safety risks.
Adejare, I can see why solar power has such appeal for you. Like the ubiquitous petrol powered generators it provides a reliable supply of power. Besides this there are minimal operating costs and maintenance after the initial investment and installation with no downside in terms of pollution or health and safety risks. Trouble is that small scale solar generation is still likely to be more expensive than petrol powered generators in the short run and thats what often drives investment choices by schools and universities.
Do you know of any initiatives that are addressing the economic viability of solar energy projects?
Sat, 07/11/2009 - 11:10
#7
Hello everyone,
I appreciate the need for this topic and I would like to make my small contribution to this topic. I was surprised in Dakar when power outages were noted as a significant drawback on any gains that have been made in higher education.
My general view is that in a country where power supply is unreliable, the effect is a suppression of the general economic activities including operations of institutions like Universities. The problems noted by Adejere are therefore felt across the board in industries, government, private homes and such. The university being part of this greater whole thus reflects what is happening around it.
For me, power supply as noted by Tony and others can be remedied at the individual level through solar, and fuel power generators. Though expensive, this is an alternative that works. On the other hand access to the internet and the learning resources that go with it is seldom viable at the institutional level. Many universities have tried to use VSAT and other technologies but reliable speeds are often a problem. Since we are now bridging this gap with initiaves like the EASSY and TEAMS marine cables (at least in the South Eastern part of the continent) this means that the little power that is available can be stretched since more can be done in a shorter period of time.
I do believe that countries in Africa are slowly waking up to the importance of steady power supply both as a key driver of economic growth but also in light of global warming challenges plaging the planet. In the case of Kenya, most of the power is derived from hydro energy but failed rains have forced the government to invest in renewable energy primarily geothermal and wind energy although there are attempts at exploring solar energy solutions as well. (See:http://www.ictcradle.com/kenyacurrent/?p=441 and http://unfccc.int/ttclear/pdf/TNA/Kenya/TNA%20%20REPORT%20Kenya%20final%20_nov05.pdf)
I am sure that this will enable cheaper and more sustainable energy for the economy. Maybe other countries in Africa have the same plans in place.
I appreciate the need for this topic and I would like to make my small contribution to this topic. I was surprised in Dakar when power outages were noted as a significant drawback on any gains that have been made in higher education.
My general view is that in a country where power supply is unreliable, the effect is a suppression of the general economic activities including operations of institutions like Universities. The problems noted by Adejere are therefore felt across the board in industries, government, private homes and such. The university being part of this greater whole thus reflects what is happening around it.
For me, power supply as noted by Tony and others can be remedied at the individual level through solar, and fuel power generators. Though expensive, this is an alternative that works. On the other hand access to the internet and the learning resources that go with it is seldom viable at the institutional level. Many universities have tried to use VSAT and other technologies but reliable speeds are often a problem. Since we are now bridging this gap with initiaves like the EASSY and TEAMS marine cables (at least in the South Eastern part of the continent) this means that the little power that is available can be stretched since more can be done in a shorter period of time.
I do believe that countries in Africa are slowly waking up to the importance of steady power supply both as a key driver of economic growth but also in light of global warming challenges plaging the planet. In the case of Kenya, most of the power is derived from hydro energy but failed rains have forced the government to invest in renewable energy primarily geothermal and wind energy although there are attempts at exploring solar energy solutions as well. (See:http://www.ictcradle.com/kenyacurrent/?p=441 and http://unfccc.int/ttclear/pdf/TNA/Kenya/TNA%20%20REPORT%20Kenya%20final%20_nov05.pdf)
I am sure that this will enable cheaper and more sustainable energy for the economy. Maybe other countries in Africa have the same plans in place.
Sat, 07/11/2009 - 16:22
#8
Hello brethren
I expect that the following websites will meet Tony's request : www.appliedmaterials.com, www.mrsolar, www.IEEE.org, www.solarenergy.org, www.solarenergy.com, www.solardev.com, www.renewableenergyaccess.com, www.eses.org, www.PES.com, www.pureenergy.com, www.peswiki.com/energy/academy. I have a paper on solar energy cost reduction strategy from Applied Materials Inc, could somebody advise me on how to attach text doc from my system, please.
Current power supply situation in most African countries should be clearer with Tony's enlightenment.
Kenya's effort at exploiting renewable energy sources, as presented by Samuel, is recognised.
Power supply is the government's responsibility, as agreed so far. Most other African nations have such programme in their development plan or agenda. In some cases, they even include it in their budgets. How many of them actually implement such plan or agenda? Prompt action is required of the various African governments on power supply delivery, with the courage to allocate resources to the priority areas of education and solar power supply. Then and only then can the University 2.0 function efficiently and effectively. On the other hand, some commercial ventures such as the upstream oil and gas as well as some manufacturing industries generate their utilities and sell the surplus to the national grid and/or their host community, the University 2.0 can emulate same, using solar energy..
I expect that the following websites will meet Tony's request : www.appliedmaterials.com, www.mrsolar, www.IEEE.org, www.solarenergy.org, www.solarenergy.com, www.solardev.com, www.renewableenergyaccess.com, www.eses.org, www.PES.com, www.pureenergy.com, www.peswiki.com/energy/academy. I have a paper on solar energy cost reduction strategy from Applied Materials Inc, could somebody advise me on how to attach text doc from my system, please.
Current power supply situation in most African countries should be clearer with Tony's enlightenment.
Kenya's effort at exploiting renewable energy sources, as presented by Samuel, is recognised.
Power supply is the government's responsibility, as agreed so far. Most other African nations have such programme in their development plan or agenda. In some cases, they even include it in their budgets. How many of them actually implement such plan or agenda? Prompt action is required of the various African governments on power supply delivery, with the courage to allocate resources to the priority areas of education and solar power supply. Then and only then can the University 2.0 function efficiently and effectively. On the other hand, some commercial ventures such as the upstream oil and gas as well as some manufacturing industries generate their utilities and sell the surplus to the national grid and/or their host community, the University 2.0 can emulate same, using solar energy..
Sun, 07/12/2009 - 09:48
#9
These are very interesting ideas on power. Where I haile from there is a shortage of power that used not to be known. We of course have put in backup power in the form of Electicricity generators in "key" areas of the institution. One thing I have realized that there is need to have comprehensive "Power Plan" with respect the various services of the institution. Simple examples like
I reckon research in solar that has been thriving in a number of our institutions in Africa has to come to the front now. We need a situation where the innovation of the institutitions continues takes real Centre Stage starting at the institutions themselves.
Its all about Planning and Applied Innovation.
- you might have power at the main server room but do your clients have power.
- You have power at the server room, power at one of the client departments but one of the active devices in the network path does not have power. It calls for forward looking network planning.
- You have power at your institution however your Internet connection passes through a zone that does not have power, due to Load Shedding by the power utility.
I reckon research in solar that has been thriving in a number of our institutions in Africa has to come to the front now. We need a situation where the innovation of the institutitions continues takes real Centre Stage starting at the institutions themselves.
Its all about Planning and Applied Innovation.
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 12:01
#10
future of major metropolitan areas in Africa (large or mega-cities) and discusses policies and planning strategies appropriate for facing the challenges of their urban growth and development. Depending on the definitions and boundaries being used, three or four of the six principal African metropolitan areas being dealt with in this book (Cairo, Lagos, the Johannesburg metropolitan region, testking 70-431
and Kinshasa) are or will be bona fide mega-cities according to the UN population criterion by the year 2010. The other two (Abidjan and Nairobi), though smaller, are principal cities in their systems, exhibit the same enormity of development issues, and are important players in the world system.
Concerns about the future of these large or mega-cities in Africa are unique in many respects. First, perhaps with the exception of Cairo (which, as shown by Yousry and Aboul Atta in chap. 4 in this volume, dates back to the seventh century and arguably even before), these cities are generally young and represent new frontiers of urban development in their systems. Secondly, they are expected to grow rapidly for some time to come. testking 70-526 They are in the midst of urbanization processes that are in their early stages and have a long way to go. After all, Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world in terms of both total population and urbanization. Africa's urban population has been projected to increase by over 200 million (or to more than double) between 1980 and 2000 (Rondinelli, 1988). Thirdly, they embody the major tribal, ethnic, and regional diversities that characterize their political systems. Finally, they emerged under world colonialism and settler regimes, exhibit common experiences in political and civil development, testking 70-536
and share burdens and hopes that are inextricably linked to Africa's unique position within the world economic and political system.
and Kinshasa) are or will be bona fide mega-cities according to the UN population criterion by the year 2010. The other two (Abidjan and Nairobi), though smaller, are principal cities in their systems, exhibit the same enormity of development issues, and are important players in the world system.
Concerns about the future of these large or mega-cities in Africa are unique in many respects. First, perhaps with the exception of Cairo (which, as shown by Yousry and Aboul Atta in chap. 4 in this volume, dates back to the seventh century and arguably even before), these cities are generally young and represent new frontiers of urban development in their systems. Secondly, they are expected to grow rapidly for some time to come. testking 70-526 They are in the midst of urbanization processes that are in their early stages and have a long way to go. After all, Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world in terms of both total population and urbanization. Africa's urban population has been projected to increase by over 200 million (or to more than double) between 1980 and 2000 (Rondinelli, 1988). Thirdly, they embody the major tribal, ethnic, and regional diversities that characterize their political systems. Finally, they emerged under world colonialism and settler regimes, exhibit common experiences in political and civil development, testking 70-536
and share burdens and hopes that are inextricably linked to Africa's unique position within the world economic and political system.
Wed, 09/02/2009 - 17:48
#11
I find it hard to believe that there are still problems with power supply in Africa. Considering the recent world developement I would expect to see Africa emerging too in a better world. I was obviously wrong, African countries still have a long way to go to reach all the benefits of a modern world. On a recent talk with a fellow Dallas electrician he told me about the changes that he had to face in his job to meet the green energy standards, I think Africa has a great potential on that.
Fri, 09/18/2009 - 09:15
#12
One other issue that needs to be addressed is that of the unreliable solar energy vendors. Some of those claiming to be experts in the installation of solar panels in schools and homes in many African countries appear not to be knowledgeable enough on the subject matter. I have heard of cases of people investing in solar energy plants that fail to work or breaks down after a short time.This has resulted in many solar energy project failures. Is there anybody with information on how to get reliable solar energy vendors, that can be recommended to our institutions in West Africa?.
Sun, 09/20/2009 - 23:11
#13
Hello Olusola,
Your claim on the high level of technical incompetence on local vendors of solar power in West Africa may be correct to some extent, since most of them are sales team without adequate technical know-how. There lies the challenge to the higher institutions in the region under consideration. To the best of my knowledge, no higher institution in Sub-Saharan Africa is teaching renewable energy as a course. Will AVU make a difference, please? This is the opportunity for university 2.0 to produce engineers and technicians as well as artisans (from polytechnics and technical/vocational education institutions) in renewable energy delivery as soon as posible.
Meanwhile, to meet your request, the following info will provide organisation that can help in providing portable solar power solutions in West Africa :
1. www.sky2net.net mentioned in my earlier postings
2. US$0.5 trillion solar plant project to generate power through solar system from North Africa to Europe. Also posted earlier in this forum.
3. I have been invited to attend a thin-film solar system summit. Find below the link to the brochure for the summit, please.It contains adequate reference which you may wish to contact for more ideas.
Thin-film solar summit brochure link : http://www.thinfilmtoday.com/us/brochure.pdf
Best wishes
Adejare
Your claim on the high level of technical incompetence on local vendors of solar power in West Africa may be correct to some extent, since most of them are sales team without adequate technical know-how. There lies the challenge to the higher institutions in the region under consideration. To the best of my knowledge, no higher institution in Sub-Saharan Africa is teaching renewable energy as a course. Will AVU make a difference, please? This is the opportunity for university 2.0 to produce engineers and technicians as well as artisans (from polytechnics and technical/vocational education institutions) in renewable energy delivery as soon as posible.
Meanwhile, to meet your request, the following info will provide organisation that can help in providing portable solar power solutions in West Africa :
1. www.sky2net.net mentioned in my earlier postings
2. US$0.5 trillion solar plant project to generate power through solar system from North Africa to Europe. Also posted earlier in this forum.
3. I have been invited to attend a thin-film solar system summit. Find below the link to the brochure for the summit, please.It contains adequate reference which you may wish to contact for more ideas.
Thin-film solar summit brochure link : http://www.thinfilmtoday.com/us/brochure.pdf
Best wishes
Adejare
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 22:21
#14
Hello
Please find below the link to a presentation just sent to me on thin-film solar power development
http://www.thinfilmtoday.com/us/PaulWormser.pdf
It could be of interest for Universities 2.0, most especially in Africa and other developing nations worlwide.
Dear Adejare, thank you for your so innovative ideas. I perceive that you are a forefront leader in thinking up such innovative solutions - and I am also sure that it is just a matter of connecting these ideas together, bringing them to many people and evetually to the leaders of universities and governments. I believe I this way such a discussion has its place - to let people participate in thinking up solutions. By the way - do you know universitei in Africa who already use solar power? maybe even rural colleges?
Ulf