Diana Kibuuka
A new analysis by Zero Carbon Analytics an international research group that provides insights and analysis about climate change and energy transition reveals that, Africa’s renewable energy capacity has doubled between 2012 and 2022 to almost 59 GW. Although Africa’s global renewable energy is less than 3%, the continent has experienced has experienced substantial growth in the sector over the last decade indicating a huge potential of renewable energy in the coming years and decades. The wind capacity alone is expected to rise by over 900% based on announced projects to date.
The Zero Carbon Analytics report, indicates that between 2010-2020, 86% of private energy investments in Africa were directed at renewables in southern Africa, 82% in East Africa and 67% in North Africa.
Despite growth in solar and wind capacity, gas accounted for more than half of all capacity additions (renewable and fossil) between 2011 and 2021.
“As the continent seeks to further boost its renewable energy capacity to 300 GW by 2030 as outlined in the Africa Climate Summit Leaders’ declaration, it is critical that governments across the globe, channel sizeable investments into people-centered renewable energy systems on the continent, while setting up enabling policies and progressive financing mechanisms as well as removing infrastructural barriers to the expansion of clean energy” Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director, 350Africa.org
Nintereste also adds that, at COP28, that officially kicks off this Thursday 30th. November in Dubai they expect a resolve by leaders to bolster renewable energy globally, towards the tripling of its capacity, greater financial support for the transition and a strong commitment to phasing out fossil fuels everywhere.
The Director Africa Wind power under Global Wind Energy Council, Wangari Muchuri, says that investments in renewable energy not only address climate change but also present lucrative opportunities, with lower project default rates, fostering job creation, and reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel prices.
Joab Okanda, Christian Aid’s Pan African Advocacy Advisor, notes that Africa’s world potential for renewable energy which stands at despite the fact that the continent has suffered more on the effects of burning fossil fuels, it’s a clear indicator that showing the world that Africa can be freed from the shackles of a dirty energy system that has wrecked our climate.
Fadhel Kaboub, Senior Advisor at Power Shift Africa adds that Africa’s biggest opportunity in the 21st century is to use its vast strategic minerals reserves in a Pan-African industrial policy that leverages the continent’s complementarity of resources and capabilities and the continent’s large internal market to manufacture and deploy renewable energy, clean cooking, and green transportation infrastructure. Kaboud believes that the green high-tech industrial strategy in Africa will unleash potential and propel the continent into an era of peace, equity, and sustainable prosperity.
According to a report from McKinsey & Company, which mapped the potential for renewables in Africa, investments of $2.9 trillion in green energy sources and infrastructure from now until 2050 would be required to unlock the full potential of renewable energy in the continent. That is
