Strategies for harvesting large scale bulk energy from the Congo river without a conventional dam
The paper provides a summary of the investigations into the capability of the Congo river to support an evolutionary design approach based on the run of river, low head, and hydro-electric generation technology, as employed at the existing Inga 2 power station in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The evolutionary approach builds on existing infrastructure. The results show that the footprint is much smaller. The environmental impact is minimized. These collectively will contribute to lower capital costs. In summary, 10,000 cm3/sec of constant river flow will produce 5,000 MW of base power. On average, the constant recorded flow of the river is 30,000 cm3/sec and a total of 15,000 MW of base power generation is possible.
Africa—Integrated gas and electricity transmission planning in power generation and HVDC engineering in harnessing large-scale hydroelectric sites for interconnected regional power systems
This Paper discusses integrated gas and electricity transmission planning in power generation and energy development in Africa with their benefits, and developments in HVDC Engineering Technology in harnessing large-scale hydroelectric sites for interconnected regional power systems. It focuses on the present status and future prospect of electricity infrastructure from the viewpoint of generation and transmission development, policies and lessons from global deregulation, advances in global research, and development (R&D) and strategies to influence Africa’s integration into the Global transition to knowledge-based economies. It examines regional power pools as an economic development paradigm by emphasizing the systems effects that lead to improving economical, ecological and technological efficiencies by the joint operation of power systems.The paper goes on to discuss the energy crisis and development issues in Africa (strategic diagonal and convergent approach with components), the Southern African power pool development plan, and the Southern African short-term energy market. Active projects such as the Westcor project representing an initial phase of the large regional South African Power Pool are also discussed. The project showcases the new milestones in HVDC technology used to harness large hydro potential contributing to the pool. Also discussed is interconnection of the Gulf States that will facilitate reserve sharing between the systems and electricity trading between the Gulf States.
Elemental interplay: the production, circulation and deposition of Bronze Age metalwork in Britain and Ireland
Abstract This paper considers how people were compellingly engaged with, and drew upon, their elemental world in the Bronze Age (c. 2000 – 800 bc). It takes into account the production, circulation and deposition of metalwork and presents a number of themes concerned with the social construction of objects, places and people in the Bronze Age, while exploring how elements are drawn upon to facilitate this. The case study focuses on evidence from Britain and Ireland, although the interpretative themes presented can be applied to a wider geographical dataset. In particular, it considers how elements are interplayed in order to bring about and articulate wider social and material transformations taking place in the Bronze Age.