Tea producers in East Africa like green tea best, even if it is black.

Production costs for the region’s 177 tea factories are high, meaning that the actual profit on the tea is lower than it could be. Raising prices will not allow Africa to compete in the world market so Africa has decided to lower costs. Theywill do this by constructing hydro-electric power companies to produce electricity for the tea factories. This is expected to lower processing by fifty percent. Since the factories are all located favorably for hydro-electric power this is one of the best solutions to an economic problem I have seen.

Behold, the power of water.

Hyrdo-electric power is electricity generated by the force of  rapidly moving water. Often it is water that is falling a long distance, like Niagara Falls. It is one of the most sustainable forms of electricty, producing no direct waste. There is less carbon dioxide produced than with energy plants powered by fossil fuels. This is a good thing. Less carbon dioxide means fewer greenhouse gasses.

Hydro-electric power is not without environmental disadvantages. The surrounding eco-systems can be changed dramatically. The water is generally a higher temperature as it comes through the dam and may cause a disruption of the various species of fish. However, considering the various advantages and disadvantages, from my scanning of the story it seems like a great option.

It looks like their tea may be green even if  it is black or white.

Hey, maybe we can get these guys to give the United States auto industry and banking industry some pointers. Cut costs? Come up with innovative solutions that don’t include government bailouts? What a great concept.

image:Wikipedia

Post from: Kettle and Cup