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Kenya: Firm Bets On Solar Power to Expand Reach
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Business Daily (Nairobi)
22 April 2008
Posted to the web 23 April 2008
Kui Kinyanjui
Nairobi
As more technology companies seek to extend their reach in rural areas not served by the national power grid, infrastructure provider Kenya Data Networks (KDN) has announced a partnership that will see it provide alternatively powered computers.
The company will provide hardware as it meets new environmental standards.
KDN and US-based non-profit making organisation, Inveneo, plan to provide solar and battery powered computers in rural areas to allow users to access technology with better infrastructure in place.
"The majority of people are cut off from basic communication technologies which undermines economic growth in these areas. We want to reverse that trend by ensuring that these people are able to engage in the basics to improve their lives," said Mr Kai Wulff, KDN Managing Director.
Under the joint programme, the two partners will provide computers to rural communities for free, using re-engineered computers provided by the American company.
The stations, which are low powered computers requiring just 12 watts can be run on solar, bicycle and wind power.
They will be in the provinces, with larger towns served by KDN's network receiving at least 20 computers. Finding a solution to power problems in rural areas has become a focus area for technology companies as they roll out their networks in new areas.
Last year, global spending on alternative energy increased by 60 per cent over 2006 levels, driven by a surge of firms seeking new energy sources.
According to data from New Energy Finance, an independent provider of research to investors in renewable energy, bio-fuels, low-carbon technologies and the carbon markets, spending in 2007 increased to US$148.4 billion, spurred by companies taking heed of environmental concerns and power problems.
"The year 2007 was a strong one, and the fundamentals continue to look supportive for 2008. However, the amount invested in clean energy technology and projects needs to grow much more - on our estimates a further, fivefold increase is required," said Michael Liebreich, chairman and CEO of New Energy Finance.
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Earlier in the week, Safaricom's parent company Vodafone also announced that it would be exploring more clean energy use as it continued rolling out its network in countries such as Kenya, hinting it would develop a range of alternatively powered gadgets to help reach rural customers. KDN hopes to target schools, clinics, field offices, community centres and internet cafes with its range of computers.
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