Renewables could supply nearly a quarter of Africa’s energy by 2030
The African continent could generate nearly a quarter of its energy needs through the use of clean, renewable energy by 2030, according to a new report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The report, titled Africa 2030 – Roadmap for a Renewable Energy Future, found that a combination of modern renewable technology could realistically meet 22% of Africa’s energy needs in the next 15 years. This is more than a four-fold increase from 5% in 2013.
Africa’s economy is growing at an extraordinary speed. One of the main challenges as African countries continue to develop is energy: meeting rising demand for power, transport and other uses in a way that is economically sustainable and safeguards livelihoods.
Half of all energy use in Africa today involves traditional biomass consumption. The report estimates that a shift to modern renewable energy cooking solutions would reduce the use of traditional cookstoves by more than 60%; saving USD 20 to 30 billion annually by 2030 through the reduction of health complications from poor indoor air quality. Numerous projects have already been undertaken to promote the use of efficient cookstoves, such as DelAgua ‘s project in Rwanda. Besides the significant efficiency improvements and reduction in fuel requirements, the smoke can be vented outside reducing the risk of adverse health effects.
The report noted that hydropower will continue to play an important role throughout the continent. North, Eastern and Southern Africa will all derive renewable power from sources, such as wind energy, while concentrating solar power (CSP) will matter specifically in North Africa. Additional renewable power capacity is expected from geothermal sources in East Africa, while solar photovoltaics (PV) will be important in the North and Southern regions.
“Africa holds some of the best renewable energy resources in the world in the form of biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. “This, combined with the precipitous drop of renewable energy technology costs, creates a massive opportunity for African countries to both transform and expand their energy systems while providing a pathway for low-carbon economic growth.”
The report recommends 14 actions to speed the uptake of renewables on the continent, including enabling policies and a regulatory framework to catalyse investment, adopting investment promotion measures, and off-grid renewable energy solutions to increase energy access and reduce poverty.
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