Las Cocas and Quilvio Cabera Wind Farms

Las Cocas and Quilvio Cabera Wind Farms

 

In a very surprising development, Dominican Republic has announced plans to set up wind turbines, the first such initiative in Caribbean islands. Built with a budget of US$100 million, it is estimated that country’s imports of oil will be reduced by 700,000 barrels a year, which in turn saves US$20 million, as well as reducing CO2 emissions by 1,700 tonnes. A 33MW plant has already been opened in 2011.

During the construction process, the main challenges faced were connecting the wind farm to the existing grid. “The southwestern part of the Dominican Republic is sparsely populated, however, and there are no transmission lines in the vicinity of Los Cocos. Some have posed greater problems than others, and some land permits are still pending. Siting installations far from existing infrastructure clearly presents issues beyond just the cost of connecting to the grid.” (blogs.worldwatch) The company has solved these by paying for building new transmission lines. Also locales have been educated about the benefits of using renewable energy.

IceLink

IceLink

 

We all know of schemes involving integration of national grids of many countries. But, have you ever heard of one connecting in the sea? IceLink Project, which is yet to be given the green signal, aims to cover more than 1,000 kilometres to provide renewable energy to UK. Almost 75% of alternative energy in Iceland comes from hydropower while the rest from geothermal. “Iceland enjoys the cheapest electricity prices in Europe thanks to abundant geothermal energy, wind and especially hydropower from glacial meltwater. The industry generates more than 12 gigawatt hours of electricity, about five times the demand from Iceland’s 325,000 population.” (Hebehappy)

England could exploit these potential, as experts estimate that Iceland could provide 5 terra-watt hours per year, at a cost 15% cheaper than UK’s offshore wind projects. The bigger implication of this project is the rising importance of under-sea cables as well as providing renewable power to rest of Europe. It is also expected to offer flexibility options to UK’s energy policy.

Buenos Aires Bus Rapid Transit Corridor

Buenos Aires Bus Rapid Transit Corridor

Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires is seen as a major economic center in the future, which will also serve as a balance to Brazil’s growing economic clout in the region. To aid in its development comes the Bus Rapid Transit Corridor, a first of its kind project in Argentina, built at an estimated cost of $ 25 million, though the budget was exceeded. According to Guillermo Dietrich, the city’s undersecretary for transport, travel time is down for buses by 50 percent, for minibuses (private buses that make fewer stops) by 45 percent, and for cars by 20 percent.

Some features of the buses involved in the system include spacious, well-lighted shelters that have seats and a Wi-Fi connection, easy boarding and information providing screens. A major accomplishment of this project was that it reduced traffic on the most important city of the street: 9 de Julio Avenue. Experts say that more than 200,000 citizens prefer the bus when their route is the avenue; it also has reduced CO₂ emissions by more than 5,000 tons per year. With continued benefits, this bus transport scheme can really help Buenos Aires to revamp its image.

Myanmar Telecommunication Network

Myanmar Telecommunication Network

One of Asia’s least developed nations, at least according to telecommunications and economy, will be open to foreign investments and given subsidies as well as liberal policies.

Asia’s least developed telecommunications market is about to take off thanks to foreign investment and liberalized policies. It is surprising to see that in such a world where almost everyone has a smart-phone, only 12.3% of Myanmar’s citizens have a basic mobile. The country can thank its military junta leaders, with their conservative mind-set for that.

But, all that is about to change. International countries such as Ooredoo, Telenor, NEC, NTT and Sumitomo etc. have been granted licenses to operate there. Though, definitely, it will take time to create a basic infrastructure, yet mobile subscribers rate is expected to grow at 30% to reach more than 32 million by end of this decade. This will ensure the mobile penetration rate is more than 50%.

An analyst said “A properly functioning telecoms network will spur innovation in other critical industries, such as education, healthcare and finance, and contribute to overall socio-economic development.”

Bouregreg Valley Development Project

Bouregreg Valley Development Project

Keeping in mind environmental principles, the Bouregreg Valley development is split into 6 complementary phases notably. Right now, only the first two phases are initiated. The first phase aims to be a major entertainment centre in the world and will cost 7 billion dirhams. Covering an area of 30 hectares, it includes hotels, cafes, residential homes, amusement parks, urban rail transport such as tram. The second phase is a bridge which consists of a pedestrian/cycling platform, tram lines and a viaduct. The other phases include more access roads and a marina project along the coastline. They also include “new neighbourhoods for professional and residential use, as well as public amenities and spaces. It will also preserve cultivated land, create natural ecological spaces, carry out reforestation activities and restore water courses that represent a risk of causing gully erosion and landslides. Furthermore, it will deliver effective urban continuity between the two towns and improve road infrastructure, links, and traffic flow between the cities of Rabat and Salé.” (Ufmsecretariat) 

Moscow-Kazan High Speed Rail

Moscow-Kazan High Speed Rail

Any project connecting the capital of one of the world’s most important country and the nation’s new & developing economic hub is a very prestigious one. Such a project is the Moscow-Kazan High Speed Rail. Announced by Russian President Putin in 2013, this rail project covers 770 kilometres and is most likely to be completed in 2018. Considered by many as the first “real” high speed rail project of Russia, it is expected to reduce travel time between Moscow and Kazan by rail by more than 9 hours as well as run 400 kilometres per hour.

It is expected to increase mobility of the citizens of these two metropolitan cities as well as providing jobs to many. It is expected to be designed by a consortium of three companies, two Russian and 1 Chinese for a total cost of 20.8 billion rubles ($383 million) over the next two years. The actual construction will be at a cost of 1.06 trillion rubles ($19.5 billion). This project is also an example of export of high speed rail to other countries from China.

Recife Metropolitan Region Sewage Treatment Project

Recife Metropolitan Region Sewage Treatment Project

In a developing country, there is bound to be lots of waste & sewage uncleaned, treated improperly & unprocessed. Keeping this mind, Brazil has initiated a massive sewage treatment project for the region of Recife, which will serve 15 cities. It aims to collect and treat 90% of the sewage produced in that region, and in a record 12 years. It is also expected to receive more than US$ 2.25 billion for investments.

There will be a drastic impact on the businesses and commerce underway in the region and will also increase employment there, especially in contracts, engineering, service, maintenance, machinery, equipment etc. It will serve more than 3.5 million citizens. The project is being done by a consortium led by a Brazilian firm.