Deforestation Crisis and Its Aftermath
The collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991 led to rampant deforestation. Without law and order, individuals and businesses cut down trees indiscriminately for firewood and charcoal. According to the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization, Somalia lost nearly 30% of its forest cover between 1990 and 2020, a catastrophic development for environmental preservation.
During much of the 2010s, around 4.4 million trees were felled annually to produce approximately 250,000 tons of charcoal. Despite a 2012 U.N. Security Council ban on charcoal exports, sales by militant groups and local vendors have continued, exacerbating the problem. The fight to halt deforestation is ongoing and challenging, as many citizens still rely heavily on wood for energy.
Traditional biomass fuels like firewood and charcoal contribute to 82% of Somalia’s total energy consumption. This overdependence on unsustainable sources is acknowledged by the Somali government, which highlights the urgent need for alternative energy solutions.
However, there is a silver lining. In recent years, attitudes towards deforestation have started to shift. Many Somalis are now exploring alternative energy sources, indicating a potential change in the country’s energy landscape.
The Gas Revolution
Abdiraham Ali Ahmed’s business, Hass Petroleum, has witnessed significant growth since he began importing liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to Mogadishu in 2008. Initially, the city consumed about 20 tons of LPG. Today, that number has surged to 1,500 tons, marking a notable increase in adoption.
LPG, a cleaner and more efficient energy source, has become popular among Mogadishu’s restaurants, with 30% now using it. However, only 8% of the general population has embraced LPG. Ahmed believes raising awareness about LPG’s benefits is key to increasing its usage.
Ahmed suggests the government should incentivize the transition by imposing higher taxes on charcoal and waiving taxes on gas. By demonstrating LPG’s health, climate, and efficiency benefits, he hopes to see wider adoption among the population.
In the northeastern port town of Bosaso, Sahal Gas has also been promoting LPG for a decade, serving 10,000 to 15,000 customers in each operational city. With growing awareness, many trees have been spared, benefiting the environment and climate.
Solar Power: A Bright Future
Another promising energy source in Somalia is solar power. BECO, one of Mogadishu’s largest electricity companies, has set up a solar plant to gradually replace diesel generators. This shift has not only reduced electricity costs for consumers but also lowered carbon emissions.
Mohamed Farah Ali, BECO’s chief engineer, stated that their 72-megawatt solar grid has significantly reduced reliance on diesel. Currently, 36% of daytime electricity and 18% overall is generated from solar power. BECO’s goal is to achieve 80% solar generation during the day by 2027.
BECO’s solar initiatives have decreased electricity prices from $1.20 per kilowatt to 36 cents per kilowatt, benefitting both the economy and the environment. However, expanding solar energy requires substantial investments from banks to make it more accessible.
Residents in two small villages south of Mogadishu recently started receiving solar-powered electricity. This project aims to provide affordable and continuous energy, fostering local economic activities. The challenge remains the high initial cost of solar energy for low-income residents.
Overcoming Barriers and Looking Ahead
The transition to alternative energy sources in Somalia is fraught with challenges. The initial costs for solar installations and LPG infrastructure can be prohibitive for many Somali families. However, the potential benefits for the environment and public health make the investment worthwhile.
- Government incentives and subsidies could accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy.
- Increased public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate citizens on the benefits of gas and solar energy.
- International support and partnerships can provide the necessary financial backing to expand these initiatives.
Despite these obstacles, the momentum towards cleaner energy in Somalia is growing. The establishment of the first gas storage facility in Mogadishu and the expansion of solar power projects are promising signs.
As more Somalis adopt alternative energy sources, the hope is that deforestation will decrease, and the environment will begin to recover. The journey is long, but the steps towards a sustainable future are firmly underway.
Investment in alternative energies is critical. The future of Somalia’s environment and economy depends on the successful implementation of these projects. By continuing to push forward, Somalia can set an example for other nations facing similar challenges.
owenmoonlight
Can someone explain why LPG is better than charcoal? I’m not convinced yet.
tobylegend0
This is a step in the right direction. Kudos to everyone involved!
Henry
Hope this turns out to be successful, but what about the initial high costs involved? 😕
Rosie
Great article! It’s high time we saved our forests and adopted cleaner energy sources.
andrewenchant
Solar power sounds awesome! But what happens during the rainy season?
Aiden
BECO’s efforts are commendable! Are there any government incentives to support this?
kevin_solstice9
Why haven’t more people switched to LPG if it’s so much better?
Harrison9
Nice to see positive changes in Somalia! But, what about the ongoing coal usage? 🤔
gabriellakinetic
Are there any plans to make solar panels more affordable for lower-income families?
muffin
Wow, this is a great initiative! How quickly can we expect solar and gas to become mainstream in Somalia? 🌞