Tucson, AZ •• Dec. 16, 1999 •• SolarQuest® iNet News Service ••
The country of Equatorial Guinea has far surpassed its neighboring countries as seen through the eyes of Cristobal Mafinna Ela, Minister of Mines and Energy, given that his country has many sources of energy. Equatorial Guinea presently takes advantage of the country's location and its huge potential for hydropower. Hydroelectric stations are strategically placed along the coastal boarders to tap this powerful resource. They also have implemented geothermal power, which is extracting the natural heat convection given off from the earth and converting it into electricity through the use of turbines and generators. These methods are just a few of the ways that Equatorial Guinea provides power through out the country. "That's why if other countries are not as developed as this, its not that they won't try, but their country just doesn't have the potential for efficient energy", said Minister Ela.The unification of a total Africa Minister Ela feels is necessary for a total development within the continent. With past experiences to use as a model the minister feels that a total unification of Africa is achievable, especially with in the energy sector. Minister Ela believes that the conference in Tucson will hopefully encourage a greater understanding for the energy crisis going on in Africa today. Even though his country is in a good position he feels that future training and quality human resources will be the most beneficial. The notion is that if Africa can develop an efficient training program that allows the complete transfer of knowledge, he feels that this will be more profitable then any other resources that can be given to them. Equatorial Guinea is one country that's definitely on the up swing and is very serious in developing, teaching, and training the country and continent as a whole.
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