Review Article
Empowering Economic Growth: The Transformative Impact of Elеctricity Access in ECOWAS and ASEAN Member States
Nutifafa Kodzo Fiasorgbor*,
Robert Aziz Tia Abdulai
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
1-13
Received:
19 December 2023
Accepted:
6 January 2024
Published:
18 January 2024
Abstract: Access to electricity is essential for a country’s economic development since it paves the way for the growth of many different industries, businesses, and households. This study underscores the potential relationship between economic growth and access to electricity by examining the significant differences in economic development metrics between the member states of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). From the 1960s to 2019, ECOWAS has lagged behind ASEAN regarding electricity access and economic growth, while ASEAN has experienced rapid and tremendous economic growth within the same period. By comparing their respective starting points in the 1960s, just after independence, to 2019, this study seeks to analyse the impact of electricity access on the economic development of the two regional blocs. The methodology employed in this study involves a literature review and analyses of secondary data from various sources. The study noted several challenges confronting ECOWAS in its pursuit to enhance access to electricity that could spur economic growth in the region. These challenges include, but are not limited to, poor infrastructure, affordability constraints, political instability, and high transmission and distribution losses. The findings provide valuable insights into the critical role of electricity access in spurring economic development and offer guidance on how ECOWAS can draw lessons from ASEAN’s experiences to drive economic growth through enhanced and efficient increase in electricity access rates across its member states.
Abstract: Access to electricity is essential for a country’s economic development since it paves the way for the growth of many different industries, businesses, and households. This study underscores the potential relationship between economic growth and access to electricity by examining the significant differences in economic development metrics between t...
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Research Article
Elaboration of Distance Standards Against the Electromagnetic Effects of High-Voltage B Overhead Lines in the Republic of Benin
Cossi Télesphore Nounangnonhou*,
Arouna Olouladé,
Taohidi Alamou Lamidi,
François-Xavier Fifatin,
Guy Clarence Sêmassou
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
14-20
Received:
25 January 2024
Accepted:
5 February 2024
Published:
28 February 2024
Abstract: The high-voltage overhead lines used to transport electrical energy from production plants to distribution stations constitute a very important link in the chain of providing electrical energy to communities. However, they constitute potential sources of emission of electromagnetic waves whose impacts are harmful to human health (thermal electrical stimulation of tissues and in particular those of the brain causing different forms of cancer) if the safety distance between these lines and users is not respected. In recent years, Benin has experienced, in urban areas crossed by transport lines and particularly among populations living in the vicinity of these lines, an explosion in the rate of people suffering from cancer. This study is carried out not only to check whether the minimum distance according to the voltage levels of these lines is respected in order to ensure the safety of people living in their vicinity but also to develop a standard of minimum distances to be respected. By the numerical simulation method based on Maxwell's equations established in a supposedly empty medium, the Bio-Savart law and the Lorentz transformation, the model of wave intensity as a function of distances, is determined. The results obtained respectively give minimum safety distances of 15 meters, 20 meters and 36 meters for the 63 kV, 161 kV and 330 kV high voltage lines Category B. These distances are, by far, respected by the populations. Furthermore, the results clearly show that electric fields are more decisive in defining the minimum distances obtained.
Abstract: The high-voltage overhead lines used to transport electrical energy from production plants to distribution stations constitute a very important link in the chain of providing electrical energy to communities. However, they constitute potential sources of emission of electromagnetic waves whose impacts are harmful to human health (thermal electrical...
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