U.S. Grants for Clean Energy Will Create Jobs in Africa

The U.S. will provide $20 million in grants for clean-energy projects in Africa, an industry that will create new jobs in the region, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.

The continent has abundant sunlight as well as geothermal and hydropower reserves that can be used to produce electricity, Clinton said today during a press briefing at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro.

Building and operating renewable-power plants will create jobs and benefit Africa, she said. The funds add to $2 billion the U.S. set aside last year to support clean-energy projects in developing countries.

“Investors in this space often see obstacles and risks that stop them investing in clean energy in Africa,” Clinton. “Clean energy will create new jobs and new livelihoods.’

To contact the reporters on this story: Alex Morales in London at amorales2@bloomberg.net; Reed Landberg in London at landberg@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Reed Landberg at landberg@bloomberg.net