HABA – Horn of Africa Business Association

Few places on earth offer the near perfect conditions for solar energy as does the HABA region. It is not merely a question of the numbers of hours of sunlight, for maximum efficiency the moisture content of the air has to be taken into account along with factors such as  geography, wind, pollution and dust particles. Whilst some are currently fixated with traditional fossil fuels it is clear that there is considerable potential for development in the field of solar energy, the harnessing of which will prove a boon to the entire region. Sudan is beginning to wake up to this fact and a number of companies have come in to being eager of late, each eager to beat the drum for an energy alternative with real green credentials. Companies such as Sudan Solar www.sudansolar.com/ and PTL Solar www.ptlsolar.com are leading the way recognising as they do that there is enormous potential to enhance the quality of life of millions through various applications of solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaic (PV) which capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells. As well as applications suitable for domestic and industrial use a number of companies believe that solar power can help reduce the number of accidents and deaths on poorly lit roads. Countries such as Sudan are also benefiting from regional and international expertise from the likes of the Centre for Alternative Technologies www.cat.co.ke/, Focal Earth www.focal-earth.com and Solar Euromed www.solareuromed.com/en Whilst take-up rates are slower than many environmentalists would like, all the evidence suggests that the solar solution is one that is tailor made for countries such as Sudan.