The Two Es

Energy- the ability to do work.  Energy can take a wide variety of forms- heat (thermal), light (radiant), mechanical, electrical, chemical, and nuclear energy.  There are two types of energy- stored (potential) energy and working (kinetic) energy.  For example, the food you eat contains chemical energy, and your body stores this energy until you release it when you work or play.  

All forms of energy are stored in different ways, in the energy sources that we use every day.  We use energy sources (oil, gas, wind, solar) to generate the electricity we need for our homes, businesses, schools, and factories.  Electricity (a form of energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor) "energizes" our computers, lights, refrigerators, and washing machines to name only a few uses.      

Much of the electricity network in Uganda is poorly maintained and the country experiences frequent power outages. Less than 10 percent of the population have access to electricity and many towns, especially in the North of the country are without electrical power. In rural areas only about 2-3 percent have access to electricity, of which less than half is provided through the national grid, the remainder coming from household generators, car batteries or solar photovoltaic (PV) units. About 97% of Uganda's population do not have access to electricity.  Read more about the energy profile of the country here.  Despite its great importance in our daily lives, few of us probably stop to think what life would be like without electricity.  Like air and water, we tend to take electricity for granted.

I came to terms with the truth in this statement my first night in Uganda.  When traveling to Africa one of the most important items in my pack is a headlamp (the second a supply of Tums).  You can be certain I have offered up many appreciative words to the Petzel manufacturers (in addition to their making of solid climbing equipment).  A headlamp is how you cope with frequent power blackouts and stubborn back-up generators.  It keeps you from running into something or someone (this has happened).


I found myself in a situation in which I sadly must report I expressed animosity towards my headlamp (yes an inanimate object) and cursed my forgetfulness.  I had just got settled into my room when the power went out leaving me fumbling around in unfamiliar darkness.  I found my bag and went to grab the headlamp- not there.  A certain dread fell over me as I realized I had not remembered packing it in Mombasa, Kenya.  Frustrated and ashamed at the level of frustration felt I decided to go to bed at 7:30pm.  


We use energy to do everything we do, from making a jump shot to baking our favorite cookies to sending astronauts into space- energy is there, making sure we have the power to do it all.
 

Could you imagine living without electricity? What would your life be like? 

Note: I found my headlamp at the bottom of my pack the next day.  I had a good laugh.