What is to be said for the developed world to still fall behind the developing world when it comes to renewable energy? Could it be that places such as the US simply have the money to allocate toward fossil fuels while developing countries must seek out alternative means in order to meet the basic energy demands of its residents?
Dubbed the Sunshine State, Florida is set to receive 1,370 large roadside billboards operating on solar and wind energy across the state as Lamar Advertising has announced plans to spend $12.5 million over the next two years. Lamar estimated all the renewable-energy generators would produce about 1.4 million kWh a year. Jeff Golimowski, spokesman for the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, said that Lamar’s program is unique within the industry and raising eyebrows. However, perhaps the industry hadn’t heard about South Africa’s initiative announced nearly a year ago.
In July 2009, Alternative Energy Africa reported that Samsung had partnered with Starcom and Visiria to launch solar-powered billboards in South Africa. The first phase of the project sought to introduce 30 Samsung billboards, to result in an annual energy savings equivalent to the monthly consumption of 1,080 households. This project has also generated 40 new jobs and has added significant black economic empowerment benefits to South Africa Samsung reports.
And while 30 billboards is small compared to 1,370, it is still interesting that Africa is leading the way once again with innovation and implementation in the renewable energy industry.
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