Doug Banks
I heard last week from Glynn Morris of Agama that Doug passed away. We knew for the past six weeks that Doug was fighting with cancer of the liver and knew that he was in his final stretch but I didn’t think it will be so soon. REEEP had great expectations from a project run by Restio Energy led by Doug. Details here . http://www.reeep.org/showProject/655.1060730/developing-an-integrated-rural-energy-utility-roadmap.htm
The project was developing the concept of an integrated rural energy utility which will provide both thermal and electrical energy to rural consumers. The project proposal followed a discussion Glynn and I had with Doug at a dinner at the British Ambassodor’s residence in Cape Town about two years ago. We had also lined up Peter Richards to ensure that this project work and its outputs was promoted through REEEP communications. Doug thought that the time was not right for promotion and he wanted us to wait……
In my meetings with Doug, I have found him to be fiercely honest and very direct. He had excellent analytical skills, good understanding of rural energy dynamics, a clear perspective and vision. We interacted initially in 2002 when I was involved during my IT Power days in a Zambian project for UNIDO to develop a solar mini-grid concept where we applied some of the learnings from Doug’s RAPS experience. Doug was also a key contributor to the Uganda rural electrification master plan for IT Power. What I liked about Doug’s approach was the comprehensive way of looking all the technical, business, thermal, electrical, social and management aspects, which is crucial for long term sustenance of efforts.
Douglas also made very valuable contributions to the REEEP project managers meeting early this year in New Delhi. He was very honest, open and unbiased with his views and suggestions and made several very valuable suggestions that REEEP programmes will take on board. My colleagues at the REEEP international and Regional Secretariat - TERI fondly recall their interactions with Doug in Delhi and are shocked to learn about his death. I can also gauge from the mails from Glynn that the many of Doug’s associates in South Africa are also finding it difficult to come to terms with his sudden absence. I was very pleased to hear from Glynn that Doug’s family and associates of Restio are planning to set up a scholarship fund for Renewable Energy Studies in his memory. This is a laudable and an appropriate tribute to Doug and I’m sure that he would have approved of this initiative. I understand that more information on this initiative will be available on Restio’s website www.restio.co.za soon.
While it is a moment for us to pause and think, let us celebrate Doug’s life and contributions to renewable energy in Africa and beyond and try and do more for renewable energy globally and in Africa. Thank you Douglas for your life and your contributions to renewable energy, we will miss you.