POWERING AFRICA USING RENEWABLE ENERGY
The time has come when Africa can now prosper and grow without becoming too reliant on unsustainable solutions like coal. Several bold initiatives aim to add 10,000+ MW to Africa’s electricity capacity.
Despite the myriad of challenges facing the use of clean energy, Africa’s uptake of renewable energy seems to be gradually moving in the right direction. With over 600 million citizens across the continent lacking power, the need for reliable solutions is urgent. The UN Economic Commission for Africa found that about half the African population lacks access to electricity.
Investments in renewable energy in Africa is growing fast, with the continent standing at a sustainable development crossroad.
Current Situation Of Renewables In The Continent
The lack of sufficient energy, conventional or renewable, for healthcare, education, economic, and agricultural diversification remains a vital barrier to growth on the continent. Several African governments should prioritize whatever resources that are available to them.
There’s a clean-energy revolution that’s quickly gripping the continent. Kenya derives over ¾ of its power from renewable energy, while over 97% of Ethiopia’s energy is from renewable sources. According to Lighting Africa, Kenya is the global leader in the adoption of off-grid solar technology, with approximately 10 million now meeting their basic electricity needs with quality-verified products. Still, the country requires a bolder, more concerted action plan.
Introducing A Sustainable Solution
On the margins of the AU Summit, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and associating Africa50, announced the “SDG 7 Initiative,” inviting several African heads of state and ministers in an effort to bring more clean energy to the continent.
The overall objective of this initiative was to add an additional 10,000 MW to the continent’s electricity capacity by 2025 –in the form of clean, renewable energy. These would be in the form of solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal.
High Returns and Positive Impacts
These opportunities should be compelling, especially to investors with a sustainability mindset. Think of the risk-adjusted returns and positive social and environmental impacts. For African governments, in this case, Kenya, this initiative, as well as other related projects, should help the continent to determine its nationally determined contributions.
Bottom Line
As a continent, Africa is brimming with hope, dynamism, and opportunity. Providing access to cleaner, more affordable, secure, and reliable energy to current and future generations should be a priority. The data above support that renewable energy is the direction to travel. What the continent must now determine is the speed by which this will happen.
Source : IRENA analysis based on data from the International Energy Agency, the World Bank and the World Health Organization
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