Affordable and Clean Energy: A choice or a must for Africa?

The UN sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG) “Affordable and Clean Energy” is expected to be achieved by 2030.  This goal aims to i) ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services, ii) substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and iii) double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. In addition to its direct impact on improving livelihoods, access to modern, sustainable energy services is often regarded as a necessity for achieving all of the other SDGs.

With this target, the demand for energy in Africa is projected to nearly double by 2040, as populations increase and living standards improve. The continent can experience greater economic growth, social and health benefits while helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change by choosing sustainable energy sources.

As the journey to achieve this target for African countries continues, African Development Bank (AfDB) also indicates that over 640 million Africans have no access to energy, corresponding to an electricity access rate for African countries at just over 40 percent, the lowest in the world.

In Sub Saharan Africa, almost 80% of the energy consumed is generated through inefficient combustion of solid biomass such as wood and charcoal used for cooking. This is a great challenge as it increases deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction and the loss of nature.

According to Africa Energy Chamber report, 2023, many African countries are still depending or are expected to depend on fossil fuels output to maintain as well as garner any hopes of increasing their respective universal electricity access rates. This remains a puzzle on the possibility of phasing out and divestment of the use of Fossil Fuels. At this point, those who make decision should think of communities affected by inaccessibility to energy. It should be done in a way it doesn’t compromise the betterment of their lives. But how should this be possible?

According to the report, Egypt is the sole African country with hydro and thermal powered plants and increasing exposure to renewable sources of energy which give the state a 100% access to electricity, while Algeria and Tunisia are dependent on gas for power, and South Africa generates most of its electricity using coal.

There is a dilemma in cutting down emissions and keeping  scioeconomic  aspect of  all African people while no additional solution for this to happen. However, a transition from dirty to clean energy is a must.

The recent IPCC 2023 synthesis report highlights that transitions to low-emission systems will have multiple co-benefits, including improvements in air quality and health. There are potential synergies between sustainable development and energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Renewable energy has been integrated into an increasing number of national and regional programs; however, more focus needs to be placed on the synergies that exist between energy, industrialization and development.

Only a handful of African countries have been able to successfully integrate the high-value added segments of renewable energy value chains and generate employment. Many people continue to use low-carbon technology as consumers rather than as producers. This hinders the creation of new jobs and other socio-economic benefits related to construction, operations and maintenance.

C/O https://www.unsdgproject.com/affordable-and-clean-energy.html

Can Africa make it happen?

Africa emits at least 4% of global emission. This is not excuse in addressing the pollution. However, while African countries are striving to reach socioeconomic path through industrialization, there is prospect that the industrialization will increase in Africa.  Africa’s development strategies which are in line with SDG goals to Agenda 2063 and African Union’s 2011 Action Plan for the Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa also are in place.

Industrialization is also a strategic priority for the African Development Bank (AfDB) under its Ten-Year Strategy (2013–2022), and one of the High 5s priorities.  With these strategies mentioned above, the need of energy would increase to meet the goals

Africa has potential untapped resources, but the most important resources would be continental collective commitment and understanding that under African context  for Africans, with Africans and by Africans, the continent can take the lead in renewable energy development at a time when the rest of the world is scrambling to find answers to climate change.

Renewable energy can provide benefits for African economies with opportunities for economic growth, cost effective technologies to increase energy access, industrial development alongside new value chains and significant local job creation.

This can enable communities to access sustainable energy more quickly and efficiently, fostering economic growth and improved living standards by focusing on localized solutions such as solar-powered microgrids. In addition, international financial and technical aid and information sharing between developed and developing countries will also be essential in accelerating renewable energy adoption.

Public Private Partnership is key to ensure the investment in clean energy is attainable. Governments should facilitate through enacting appropriate policies and incentives. This will hasten the rollout of renewable energy projects and reduce their costs, making clean energy more affordable.

 Author:Hope Okuthe – Project Officer for Africa Energy Access and Transition Initiative