[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1630-E1631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE FUTURE OF ENERGY IN AFRICA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, in the 21st century, energy has 
become vital to modern societies. We no longer have to shop for food 
each day because refrigerators keep food cold and preserved longer--
whether in our homes, in restaurants or during the process of trade. 
Cell phones, computers, televisions and other electronics require 
electrical power to allow us to lead more productive lives in the 
modern world. As we have seen in the current Ebola epidemic, it is 
necessary that medicines and plasma be kept cold so that they do not 
lose their potency.
   It is both unfortunate and unnecessary that more than half a billion 
Africans, especially in rural areas, live without electricity.
   Perhaps, the great irony is that Africa has more than enough energy 
capacity to join the rest of the world in utilizing modern technologies 
that require regular energy supplies. Ironically, 30% of global oil and 
gas discoveries over the past five years have been in sub-Saharan 
Africa. Yet currently, only 290 million out of 914 million Africans 
have access to electricity, and the total number lacking such access 
continues to rise. Bioenergy, mainly fuel wood and charcoal, is still a 
major source of fuel. Hydropower accounts for about 20% of total power 
supply in the region, but less than 10% of its estimated potential has 
been utilized.
   A hearing I convened last week examined the current and prospective 
impact of U.S. government programs such as Power Africa and Electrify 
Africa, as well as private international energy projects.
   Last year, Chairman Royce--backed by Ranking Members Eliot Engel and 
Karen Bass--and I introduced H.R. 2548--the Electrify Africa Act. This 
legislation seeks to build the African power sector--from increased 
production to more effective provision of energy. H.R. 2548 passed the 
House this past May, but has languished in the Senate ever since. If no 
Senate action is taken during the remaining days of this session of 
Congress, this legislation will have to be reintroduced next year.
   Days after the Electrify Africa Act was introduced in the House, the 
Administration announced its Power Africa initiative and has committed 
up to $7.81 billion in various types of U.S. technical and credit 
assistance and other aid to build the capacity of the African power 
sector.
   It seems that every few months, there is yet another discovery of 
petroleum or natural gas in Africa. Nevertheless, African countries 
remain net importers of energy, and the distribution of power from the 
many new sources of energy in Africa remains unfulfilled. This 
constrains trade and economic progress, social development and overall 
quality of life in Africa. Even now, one country--South Africa--
accounts for two-thirds of Africa's electricity generation. All of 
Africa produces less than 10% of the energy produced in the United 
States.
   Meanwhile, people across the continent are forced to meet their 
energy needs by gathering or purchasing charcoal or wood, often putting 
women in dangerous situations too far from home. Even when such fuels 
are safely brought back home, their use produces indoor pollution that 
too often contributes to sickness and early death.
   The current situation cannot continue much longer. Even with 13% of 
the world's population, Africa represents only 4% of the world's energy 
demand, but this situation is changing. According to a report this year 
by the International Energy Agency (IEA), since 2000, sub-Saharan 
Africa has seen rapid economic growth and a rise in energy use by 45%.
   We often speak of the rise in African economies, but for that rise 
to be truly realized, the rates of power generation and supply must 
match the growing demand for power. Those cell phones that are 
transforming all forms of commerce in Africa must be charged. The 
consumer goods the growing African middle class is purchasing need 
electricity. Africans are increasingly unwilling to accept the 
blackouts and power surges that have made life so difficult for so 
long. Africans who have traveled or lived elsewhere know this doesn't 
have to be their lot in life. In fact, even those who don't travel have 
seen how others live on their televisions--when power is available for 
them to operate.
   During the colonial period in Africa, countries were limited in 
their industrialization, but that period is now long past. It must no 
longer be used as the reason why African countries are behind in the 
process of industrialization or power generation. Today, this lag in 
power generation is more due to inadequate or unrealistic regulation, 
lack of finance for significant power generation projects, 
underinvestment in power generation even when financing is available, 
the disconnection of rural populations from national and regional power 
grids, high costs for electricity and other factors.
   These obstacles can be overcome, but they will require international 
and national collaboration, public-private partnerships and the will of 
governments and their citizens. We will not get to the point we believe 
is necessary overnight, but we will not get there at all if we do not 
take serious measures now and implement them faithfully and completely.
   African people, like people everywhere, deserve the benefits that 
modern technology has produced. Africa has become a prized global 
consumer market, but that market cannot be fully realized without 
electricity. Anyone visiting stores in Africa can see the many modern 
technologies offered to African consumers today; they merely need 
guaranteed electricity for those goods to be useful.
   With regular electricity, young students can not only study under 
electrical light, but also use computers to advance their studies. 
Homemakers can keep food fresh longer with refrigerators and can 
stretch household income farther. And hospitals can preserve blood 
plasma and medicines that can save lives.
   The two panels at the hearing I held last week examined 
international and national programs to achieve regular, sufficient 
electrical power in Africa and private projects to add to the supply of 
energy on the continent. The future of energy in Africa is brighter 
than it has been in the past, but diligent actions must be taken now to 
seize the opportunities that lay before us.

[[Page E1631]]



                          ____________________