African Development Bank (AfDB) projects to develop concentrated solar power in Morocco and geothermal power in Kenya are two of some 20 renewable energy initiatives being covered by Africa Express, a year-long study of sustainable energy in Africa, and,what organizers hope will be the first successful tour of Africa by train.

The AfDB is a sponsor of the study conceived by French environmentalists and train enthusiasts, Jeremy Debreu and Claire Guibert. Over eight months, they will be travelling by rail through 26 countries to visit, study and document renewable energy projects that expand access to power. The resulting white paper and documentary will highlight best practices and how to repeat them and identify key elements of successful project in terms of technologies, business models, policies and governance.

"Renewable energy holds much promise for Africa," stated Mafalda Duarte, AfDB Chief Climate Change Specialist and Climate Investment Funds Coordinator. "We must bring attention to these pocketed projects and encourage the widespread use of renewables to increase energy access, decrease carbon emissions, green African economies and deliver on sustainable development."