Evidence-based energy conservation potentials and policy implications in the textile and garment industries of Ethiopia

Energy is one of the primary inputs in textile and garment processing industries and its cost share is reported between 5 and 10% of the total production cost in developed countries but is far higher in developing countries. The textile and garment sector is one of the fast growing economic sectors in developing nations like Ethiopia which have very limited scientific data particularly in the industries where there is no clear and concise information about the energy consumption pattern as well as the energy conservation practices. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to understand the energy usage pattern and conservation practices and to recommend evidence-based conservation measures and policy directions. The aim of this comprehensive study was therefore to conduct a detailed energy audit in the MAA garment and textile industry, in the town of Mekelle, at the northern part of Ethiopia, to analyze the major energy-consuming areas and implementation of evidence-based energy conservation solutions. This was achieved through primary and secondary data collected from the company. Accordingly, a total of 15 energy conservation recommendation was identified and proposed for possible implementation that have the potential to save a total cost of around $214,600 per year but requires nearly$98,300 investment leading to a payback period of 7 months. These recommendations include in the utilities of boiler, thermic fluid heater, air compressors, and lightings. In addition, key policy directions are recommended to support the sectors to reduce their energy consumption

First recorded eruption of Nabro volcano, Eritrea, 2011

We present a synthesis of diverse observations of the first recorded eruption of Nabro volcano, Eritrea, which began on 12 June 2011. While no monitoring of the volcano was in effect at the time, it has been possible to reconstruct the nature and evolution of the eruption through analysis of re- gional seismological and infrasound data and satellite remote sensing data, supplemented by petrological analysis of erupted products and brief field surveys. The event is notable for the comparative rarity of recorded historical eruptions in the region and of caldera systems in general, for the prodi- gious quantity of SO2 emitted into the atmosphere and the significant human impacts that ensued notwithstanding the low population density of the Afar region. It is also relevant in understanding the broader magmatic and tectonic signifi- cance of the volcanic massif of which Nabro forms a part and which strikes obliquely to the principal rifting directions in the Red Sea and northern Afar. The whole-rock compositions of Editorial responsibility: G. Giordano the erupted lavas and tephra range from trachybasaltic to trachybasaltic andesite, and crystal-hosted melt inclusions contain up to 3,000 ppm of sulphur by weight. The eruption was preceded by significant seismicity, detected by regional networks of sensors and accompanied by sustained tremor. Substantial infrasound was recorded at distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometres from the vent, beginning at the onset of the eruption and continuing for weeks. Analysis of ground deformation suggests the eruption was fed by a shal- low, NW–SE-trending dike, which is consistent with field and satellite observations of vent distributions. Despite lack of prior planning and preparedness for volcanic events in the country, rapid coordination of the emergency response miti- gated the human costs of the eruption