Energy requirements of development projects

Based on conservative assumptions about the nearness of the water table to the surface and the efficiency of pumping systems, it is estimated that the use of pumped irrigation to achieve only a 5% increase in arable land would require, in four of the countries studied (Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger), energy equivalent to 4.5%-8.5% of 1980 energy imports or commercial energy consumption; Somalia and Chad would require, respectively, 15% and 22% of their 1980 oil import or consumption levels - partly because of relatively large, marginally arable land areas and partly because of low energy imports (commercial consumption). The operation of one or at most two moderate-sized cement plants in the West African countries (Benin, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Burkina Faso) and Sudan would require 12%-40% of these countries" 1980 commercial energy consumption. These calculations assume high levels of maintenance and fuel efficiency; actual requirements are likely to be higher. The countries studied have few or no fuel supply options other than imports. It is concluded that even modest industrialization, while crucial to development, necessitates very serious attention to supporting energy requirements. (Author abstract, modified)