Japan to Support Energy Infrastructure Projects in Africa

Tokyo, July 3 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government said Monday that it has agreed with the African Development Bank to launch an initiative to financially support power plant construction and other energy-related infrastructure projects in Africa. Partly using existing frameworks, Japan will provide aid worth up to 6 billion dollars. Japan and the AfDB will tackle the issue of electricity shortage in Africa, taking advantage of Japan's sophisticated technology. Specifically, the AfDB will select projects eligible for aid under the initiative, in cooperation with African countries, according to Japan's Ministry of Finance. Japan will offer financial assistance for the construction of high-efficiency coal-fired power plants utilizing clean coal technology that helps curb carbon dioxide emissions and for the operations of the plants. Many countries in Africa produce coal. Japan is also considering supporting geothermal power plant construction projects. END