Towards Curbing Energy Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa through The Use of Solar Bike: A Case of Koupela, Burkina-Faso

Abstract

Abstract The rate of energy poverty in Africa particularly in Sub-Sahara region is quite alarming and appealing. This anomaly has greatly affected industrialization processes in this region. Not only has electricity access remain an acute issue in Burkina Faso almost two centuries, but in addition, the accelerated consumption of fossil fuels is leading to drastic consequences manifested in the form (s) of impaired development for humans and nature. To encourage greater access to renewable energy, the Government of Burkina Faso has been subsidizing energy programmes in the country (exemptions from customs duties and VAT on solar equipment) for a couple of years now. Nevertheless, a lot of work remains to be done as energy access in the rural areas remain insignificant, hence, not meeting up with the population growth. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to implement a bicycle-mounted hybrid solar- and human-powered devices available to the residents of five (5) in the municipality of the idea leverages the fact that bicycles are widely used by indigenes of Koupela as part of their daily life. This device will have dual functionality: powering the bicycle light and generating energy for domestic use (lighting of houses, children's study, etc.) via a storage system battery system. This paper, therefore, is strongly committed towards environmental protection and the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs especially the goals 7 and 13. It will support the five (5) selected localities in becoming green villages while also addressing the issue of energy poverty. Keywords: Bicycle, Burkina Faso, Clean Energy, Rural Areas; Solar panels. Cite this Article Sidnoma Nita Belemsobgo, Aristide Belemsobgo, Abel Ehimen Airoboman. Towards Curbing Energy Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa through The Use of Solar Bike: A Case of Koupela, Burkina-Faso. Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications . 2020; 7(1): 9–14p.