Sustainability
Taking Charge: Why Africa’s Approach to Energy Transition Must Be Different
Sep 27, 2023
Muiruri Beautah
0:00/1:34
The invention of the steam engine in the 18th century marked the beginning of the industrial revolution and made it possible to shift to a manufacturing economy. What followed was a period of increased production and efficiency. Cities and industries grew at an exponential rate, along with their economies. This remarkable shift leads us to one conclusion: energy remains the primary component of development, and without it, even the most capable labour force would grind to a screeching halt.
We are living in the most prosperous period in the history of mankind, and though you may be shaking your head in disagreement, it is true. Despite the pandemics, recessions, wars, conflicts, and many other challenges we face, barely 100 years ago, the average person spent more than half of their waking hours engaged in activities directly related to survival. In those days, the ability to manage one's time was not just a matter of convenience; it was a matter of life and death. Fast forward to the present day, the majority of our time is spent enjoying a level of comfort and security that would have been unimaginable just a few generations ago.
Whether in medicine, science, or social organization, energy is the uniting feature enabling us to be free of the constraints of basic survival. Thanks to this much-needed resource, we can produce food along with goods more efficiently and on a large scale. We have improved our transportation systems in such a way which aids in quicker and more efficient movement of those goods and services, along with people, across greater distances. Using energy, we have developed medical technological tools such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and various medical therapies, dramatically increasing our ability to combat disease and illnesses. In communication, we have made some of the greatest advancements of all. We have developed technologies which have allowed us to connect with anyone, anywhere, instantly. That being said, it is impossible to ignore how energy innovation has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another.
As we approach a dramatic transformation in the landscape of such a vital resource, many developing countries continue to face significant challenges. In Africa, for example, access to reliable and affordable energy remains a critical issue as an estimated 600 million people (43% of the total population) still lack access to electricity. This year, South Africa—Africa’s second-largest economy—has gone through its worst-ever period of electricity rationing; losing more than $50 million per day on account of the 2-4-hour load-shedding schedules inflicted on homes and businesses. Nigeria, Africa's largest economy and Africa's biggest oil producer, still struggles to meet its energy needs— a problem which has persisted for many decades. Nigeria and the other Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Senegal) face chronic deficits and high tariffs due to the heavy reliance on costly electricity from diesel generators.
With the current global push for energy transformation, renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower are rapidly gaining ground, displacing traditional fossil fuels that have powered global development for more than a century; a shift, driven not only by environmental concerns, but also by financial incentives (as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, a Green Climate Fund (GCF) was created to support developing countries in reducing emissions and charting climate-resilient pathways).
However, no incentive should blind African leaders into taking up global renewable energy commitments while overlooking the unique needs and challenges of their respective countries. While the GCF and other programs offer much-needed financial support, African leaders must ensure that decisions around renewable energy are grounded in their countries' realities and priorities. This means taking a comprehensive approach that considers not only the economic benefits of renewable energy but also its social and environmental impacts.
While African countries account for less than 3% of the world’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions so far (per capita emissions are among the lowest of any region) they are being incentivized to perform a shift. A shift which feels premature, as it appears to be driven more by the need to address the environmental sins of other regions that have built their wealth and prosperity on the back of environmental degradation.
Do not get me wrong, I am fully aware that many African countries are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as drought, desertification, and flooding, to name a few. They legitimately have a strong incentive to transition to renewable energy to build resilience and reduce vulnerability. However, the pace and approach of this transition, particularly in the context of developing countries such as those in Africa, in many ways feels like a dictation by those far more fortunate than us. For rural communities that rely on traditional biomass as their primary source of energy, the costs of transition are too steep. These communities lack the resources to invest in renewable energy infrastructure. Solar, wind, and geothermal are often touted as low-cost and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, but the initial costs of installation and maintenance can and will be prohibitive for many low-income households in Africa. To such demographics, traditional fuels such as wood are not only low-cost but also reliable and easily accessible. According to a 2019 UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) energy report, more than 80% of Africa's rural population and 73% of the urban population use wood fuel as their primary source of energy. The urban population relies more on charcoal while the rural population relies heavily on firewood. These wood fuels are used for heating and cooking in homes and in small to medium production industries such as brick-making, baking, and tobacco curing. It is projected that by 2050, more than 1.8 billion people in SSA (65%) will still rely on wood fuel for cooking.
According to leading global think tank analyses, the 3 billion people in the world (800 million in Africa) who currently depend on biomass as their primary source of energy do it due to lack of access to modern energy sources. These analyses miss the fact that this lack of access is directly attributable to poverty. For the 3 billion people who depend on biomass for energy, suggested alternatives remain too expensive. Solar and wind power are neither convenient nor practical replacements for daily cooking uses in rural areas. Petroleum fuels on the other hand are far more expensive per energy unit when compared to firewood and charcoal, and with current global crude oil price trends, there is little hope that this cost dynamic will change any time soon.
The wood fuel industry in Africa not only supplements the energy requirements for many African countries, it also contributes to the growth of local economies in the form of revenue, taxes and employment income for many others. World Bank estimates place the total number of people employed in Sub-Saharan Africa’s wood fuel sector (charcoal and wood sellers etc) at more than 7 million. Why should Africa focus on getting rid of an energy source which, when managed properly, is a fully renewable energy source? When biomass energy resources are developed sustainably and especially when wood residues and waste are used, combined with tree planting, planted forests can remove the carbon dioxide injected into the atmosphere by burning wood fuel. The loss of biomass as an energy source in the name of clean energy brings less value than it destroys, particularly if the transition to renewables is not accompanied by efforts to address poverty and inequality more broadly.
African countries must take control of their own futures by developing transition timelines that are grounded in reality rather than dictated by external factors such as climate funds, grants, and subsidies. Hasty implementation of renewable energy brings forth risks which may end up exacerbating the problem of energy poverty, as those who rely on fossil fuels will be left without power.
Our leaders have a duty to prioritize the right energy goals and develop a tailored mix of energy solutions that can be deployed according to the specific needs of different regions and economic sectors. For some areas, such as in Africa's rural unconnected areas, solar power could be deployed more efficiently than other energy sources. For regions such as East Africa, geothermal energy could be leveraged due to the region's volcanic activity. Meanwhile, hydropower remains a significant energy source in countries with large rivers such as Ethiopia, Zambia, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But none of these energy sources can be depended on in isolation. It is crucial for African countries to diversify their energy sources in a way that can cater to their demands while also avoiding internal and external conflicts over the allocation of energy resources such as forests and rivers. For instance, Ethiopia's decision to construct a dam on the Blue Nile has caused tensions to escalate with her neighbours Egypt and Sudan. The dam is a major threat to Egypt’s water security considering that more than 90% of Egypt's population depends almost entirely on the Nile waters for household and commercial uses. Sudan has also expressed concerns about a significant drop in water levels along its section of the Nile. African leaders will need to foster friendship and build good working relationships with their regional neighbours if they're to prevent this kind of conflict that could very easily lead to war, destruction and death.
The often-followed electrification model where utility companies generate and distribute electricity through the grid to customers requires huge investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution. This model must be complemented by others which can absorb the customers who cannot afford the high connection costs associated with the grid model.
To achieve energy security and sustainability, African countries will need to create a balanced energy mix that utilizes a variety of sources; a mix which should include both traditional and renewable sources in order to develop an energy system that can provide a stable supply of energy for all. For example, hydroelectric power can provide a reliable base load while solar and wind can be used to supplement the grid during peak demand periods. In Kenya for instance, 41% of the base load power supply is generated from geothermal, 30% from hydroelectric, while wind contributes 16%. Thermal, solar, and imports account for the remaining supply.
African countries should also prioritize energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption and maximize the use of existing energy sources. This can include measures such as upgrading energy infrastructure, improving building codes and standards, and promoting energy-efficient appliances and equipment. In addition, African countries also need to walk the talk when it comes to Research and Development budget allocations. Without significant commitments to innovating and developing new energy solutions, Africa will continue to lag behind in the transition. I implore governments to collaborate with universities, research institutions, and the private sector in order to fund and implement research outcomes and development initiatives aimed at creating more efficient, and cost-effective energy sources. Innovations in energy storage systems such as batteries will enable the storage of excess energy from intermittent sources like solar and wind, thus ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. African leaders should empower and encourage the exploration of the potential offered by new technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, carbon capture and storage, and advanced biofuels.
The energy plan for Africa must prioritize the local context above all else, and not blindly follow global energy commitments. This means considering the unique challenges and opportunities of each region and tailoring solutions accordingly. Two travellers taking a journey to the same destination, at different times of the day, and from different starting points, cannot be expected to arrive at their destination simultaneously. So too must Africa's energy transition be approached with realistic timelines and deliverables. By doing so, African countries can ensure reliable access to power for all while meeting their broader economic and environmental goals.
The invention of the steam engine in the 18th century marked the beginning of the industrial revolution and made it possible to shift to a manufacturing economy. What followed was a period of increased production and efficiency. Cities and industries grew at an exponential rate, along with their economies. This remarkable shift leads us to one conclusion: energy remains the primary component of development, and without it, even the most capable labour force would grind to a screeching halt.
We are living in the most prosperous period in the history of mankind, and though you may be shaking your head in disagreement, it is true. Despite the pandemics, recessions, wars, conflicts, and many other challenges we face, barely 100 years ago, the average person spent more than half of their waking hours engaged in activities directly related to survival. In those days, the ability to manage one's time was not just a matter of convenience; it was a matter of life and death. Fast forward to the present day, the majority of our time is spent enjoying a level of comfort and security that would have been unimaginable just a few generations ago.
Whether in medicine, science, or social organization, energy is the uniting feature enabling us to be free of the constraints of basic survival. Thanks to this much-needed resource, we can produce food along with goods more efficiently and on a large scale. We have improved our transportation systems in such a way which aids in quicker and more efficient movement of those goods and services, along with people, across greater distances. Using energy, we have developed medical technological tools such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and various medical therapies, dramatically increasing our ability to combat disease and illnesses. In communication, we have made some of the greatest advancements of all. We have developed technologies which have allowed us to connect with anyone, anywhere, instantly. That being said, it is impossible to ignore how energy innovation has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another.
As we approach a dramatic transformation in the landscape of such a vital resource, many developing countries continue to face significant challenges. In Africa, for example, access to reliable and affordable energy remains a critical issue as an estimated 600 million people (43% of the total population) still lack access to electricity. This year, South Africa—Africa’s second-largest economy—has gone through its worst-ever period of electricity rationing; losing more than $50 million per day on account of the 2-4-hour load-shedding schedules inflicted on homes and businesses. Nigeria, Africa's largest economy and Africa's biggest oil producer, still struggles to meet its energy needs— a problem which has persisted for many decades. Nigeria and the other Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Senegal) face chronic deficits and high tariffs due to the heavy reliance on costly electricity from diesel generators.
With the current global push for energy transformation, renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower are rapidly gaining ground, displacing traditional fossil fuels that have powered global development for more than a century; a shift, driven not only by environmental concerns, but also by financial incentives (as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, a Green Climate Fund (GCF) was created to support developing countries in reducing emissions and charting climate-resilient pathways).
However, no incentive should blind African leaders into taking up global renewable energy commitments while overlooking the unique needs and challenges of their respective countries. While the GCF and other programs offer much-needed financial support, African leaders must ensure that decisions around renewable energy are grounded in their countries' realities and priorities. This means taking a comprehensive approach that considers not only the economic benefits of renewable energy but also its social and environmental impacts.
While African countries account for less than 3% of the world’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions so far (per capita emissions are among the lowest of any region) they are being incentivized to perform a shift. A shift which feels premature, as it appears to be driven more by the need to address the environmental sins of other regions that have built their wealth and prosperity on the back of environmental degradation.
Do not get me wrong, I am fully aware that many African countries are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as drought, desertification, and flooding, to name a few. They legitimately have a strong incentive to transition to renewable energy to build resilience and reduce vulnerability. However, the pace and approach of this transition, particularly in the context of developing countries such as those in Africa, in many ways feels like a dictation by those far more fortunate than us. For rural communities that rely on traditional biomass as their primary source of energy, the costs of transition are too steep. These communities lack the resources to invest in renewable energy infrastructure. Solar, wind, and geothermal are often touted as low-cost and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, but the initial costs of installation and maintenance can and will be prohibitive for many low-income households in Africa. To such demographics, traditional fuels such as wood are not only low-cost but also reliable and easily accessible. According to a 2019 UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) energy report, more than 80% of Africa's rural population and 73% of the urban population use wood fuel as their primary source of energy. The urban population relies more on charcoal while the rural population relies heavily on firewood. These wood fuels are used for heating and cooking in homes and in small to medium production industries such as brick-making, baking, and tobacco curing. It is projected that by 2050, more than 1.8 billion people in SSA (65%) will still rely on wood fuel for cooking.
According to leading global think tank analyses, the 3 billion people in the world (800 million in Africa) who currently depend on biomass as their primary source of energy do it due to lack of access to modern energy sources. These analyses miss the fact that this lack of access is directly attributable to poverty. For the 3 billion people who depend on biomass for energy, suggested alternatives remain too expensive. Solar and wind power are neither convenient nor practical replacements for daily cooking uses in rural areas. Petroleum fuels on the other hand are far more expensive per energy unit when compared to firewood and charcoal, and with current global crude oil price trends, there is little hope that this cost dynamic will change any time soon.
The wood fuel industry in Africa not only supplements the energy requirements for many African countries, it also contributes to the growth of local economies in the form of revenue, taxes and employment income for many others. World Bank estimates place the total number of people employed in Sub-Saharan Africa’s wood fuel sector (charcoal and wood sellers etc) at more than 7 million. Why should Africa focus on getting rid of an energy source which, when managed properly, is a fully renewable energy source? When biomass energy resources are developed sustainably and especially when wood residues and waste are used, combined with tree planting, planted forests can remove the carbon dioxide injected into the atmosphere by burning wood fuel. The loss of biomass as an energy source in the name of clean energy brings less value than it destroys, particularly if the transition to renewables is not accompanied by efforts to address poverty and inequality more broadly.
African countries must take control of their own futures by developing transition timelines that are grounded in reality rather than dictated by external factors such as climate funds, grants, and subsidies. Hasty implementation of renewable energy brings forth risks which may end up exacerbating the problem of energy poverty, as those who rely on fossil fuels will be left without power.
Our leaders have a duty to prioritize the right energy goals and develop a tailored mix of energy solutions that can be deployed according to the specific needs of different regions and economic sectors. For some areas, such as in Africa's rural unconnected areas, solar power could be deployed more efficiently than other energy sources. For regions such as East Africa, geothermal energy could be leveraged due to the region's volcanic activity. Meanwhile, hydropower remains a significant energy source in countries with large rivers such as Ethiopia, Zambia, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But none of these energy sources can be depended on in isolation. It is crucial for African countries to diversify their energy sources in a way that can cater to their demands while also avoiding internal and external conflicts over the allocation of energy resources such as forests and rivers. For instance, Ethiopia's decision to construct a dam on the Blue Nile has caused tensions to escalate with her neighbours Egypt and Sudan. The dam is a major threat to Egypt’s water security considering that more than 90% of Egypt's population depends almost entirely on the Nile waters for household and commercial uses. Sudan has also expressed concerns about a significant drop in water levels along its section of the Nile. African leaders will need to foster friendship and build good working relationships with their regional neighbours if they're to prevent this kind of conflict that could very easily lead to war, destruction and death.
The often-followed electrification model where utility companies generate and distribute electricity through the grid to customers requires huge investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution. This model must be complemented by others which can absorb the customers who cannot afford the high connection costs associated with the grid model.
To achieve energy security and sustainability, African countries will need to create a balanced energy mix that utilizes a variety of sources; a mix which should include both traditional and renewable sources in order to develop an energy system that can provide a stable supply of energy for all. For example, hydroelectric power can provide a reliable base load while solar and wind can be used to supplement the grid during peak demand periods. In Kenya for instance, 41% of the base load power supply is generated from geothermal, 30% from hydroelectric, while wind contributes 16%. Thermal, solar, and imports account for the remaining supply.
African countries should also prioritize energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption and maximize the use of existing energy sources. This can include measures such as upgrading energy infrastructure, improving building codes and standards, and promoting energy-efficient appliances and equipment. In addition, African countries also need to walk the talk when it comes to Research and Development budget allocations. Without significant commitments to innovating and developing new energy solutions, Africa will continue to lag behind in the transition. I implore governments to collaborate with universities, research institutions, and the private sector in order to fund and implement research outcomes and development initiatives aimed at creating more efficient, and cost-effective energy sources. Innovations in energy storage systems such as batteries will enable the storage of excess energy from intermittent sources like solar and wind, thus ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. African leaders should empower and encourage the exploration of the potential offered by new technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, carbon capture and storage, and advanced biofuels.
The energy plan for Africa must prioritize the local context above all else, and not blindly follow global energy commitments. This means considering the unique challenges and opportunities of each region and tailoring solutions accordingly. Two travellers taking a journey to the same destination, at different times of the day, and from different starting points, cannot be expected to arrive at their destination simultaneously. So too must Africa's energy transition be approached with realistic timelines and deliverables. By doing so, African countries can ensure reliable access to power for all while meeting their broader economic and environmental goals.
The invention of the steam engine in the 18th century marked the beginning of the industrial revolution and made it possible to shift to a manufacturing economy. What followed was a period of increased production and efficiency. Cities and industries grew at an exponential rate, along with their economies. This remarkable shift leads us to one conclusion: energy remains the primary component of development, and without it, even the most capable labour force would grind to a screeching halt.
We are living in the most prosperous period in the history of mankind, and though you may be shaking your head in disagreement, it is true. Despite the pandemics, recessions, wars, conflicts, and many other challenges we face, barely 100 years ago, the average person spent more than half of their waking hours engaged in activities directly related to survival. In those days, the ability to manage one's time was not just a matter of convenience; it was a matter of life and death. Fast forward to the present day, the majority of our time is spent enjoying a level of comfort and security that would have been unimaginable just a few generations ago.
Whether in medicine, science, or social organization, energy is the uniting feature enabling us to be free of the constraints of basic survival. Thanks to this much-needed resource, we can produce food along with goods more efficiently and on a large scale. We have improved our transportation systems in such a way which aids in quicker and more efficient movement of those goods and services, along with people, across greater distances. Using energy, we have developed medical technological tools such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and various medical therapies, dramatically increasing our ability to combat disease and illnesses. In communication, we have made some of the greatest advancements of all. We have developed technologies which have allowed us to connect with anyone, anywhere, instantly. That being said, it is impossible to ignore how energy innovation has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another.
As we approach a dramatic transformation in the landscape of such a vital resource, many developing countries continue to face significant challenges. In Africa, for example, access to reliable and affordable energy remains a critical issue as an estimated 600 million people (43% of the total population) still lack access to electricity. This year, South Africa—Africa’s second-largest economy—has gone through its worst-ever period of electricity rationing; losing more than $50 million per day on account of the 2-4-hour load-shedding schedules inflicted on homes and businesses. Nigeria, Africa's largest economy and Africa's biggest oil producer, still struggles to meet its energy needs— a problem which has persisted for many decades. Nigeria and the other Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Senegal) face chronic deficits and high tariffs due to the heavy reliance on costly electricity from diesel generators.
With the current global push for energy transformation, renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower are rapidly gaining ground, displacing traditional fossil fuels that have powered global development for more than a century; a shift, driven not only by environmental concerns, but also by financial incentives (as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, a Green Climate Fund (GCF) was created to support developing countries in reducing emissions and charting climate-resilient pathways).
However, no incentive should blind African leaders into taking up global renewable energy commitments while overlooking the unique needs and challenges of their respective countries. While the GCF and other programs offer much-needed financial support, African leaders must ensure that decisions around renewable energy are grounded in their countries' realities and priorities. This means taking a comprehensive approach that considers not only the economic benefits of renewable energy but also its social and environmental impacts.
While African countries account for less than 3% of the world’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions so far (per capita emissions are among the lowest of any region) they are being incentivized to perform a shift. A shift which feels premature, as it appears to be driven more by the need to address the environmental sins of other regions that have built their wealth and prosperity on the back of environmental degradation.
Do not get me wrong, I am fully aware that many African countries are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as drought, desertification, and flooding, to name a few. They legitimately have a strong incentive to transition to renewable energy to build resilience and reduce vulnerability. However, the pace and approach of this transition, particularly in the context of developing countries such as those in Africa, in many ways feels like a dictation by those far more fortunate than us. For rural communities that rely on traditional biomass as their primary source of energy, the costs of transition are too steep. These communities lack the resources to invest in renewable energy infrastructure. Solar, wind, and geothermal are often touted as low-cost and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, but the initial costs of installation and maintenance can and will be prohibitive for many low-income households in Africa. To such demographics, traditional fuels such as wood are not only low-cost but also reliable and easily accessible. According to a 2019 UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) energy report, more than 80% of Africa's rural population and 73% of the urban population use wood fuel as their primary source of energy. The urban population relies more on charcoal while the rural population relies heavily on firewood. These wood fuels are used for heating and cooking in homes and in small to medium production industries such as brick-making, baking, and tobacco curing. It is projected that by 2050, more than 1.8 billion people in SSA (65%) will still rely on wood fuel for cooking.
According to leading global think tank analyses, the 3 billion people in the world (800 million in Africa) who currently depend on biomass as their primary source of energy do it due to lack of access to modern energy sources. These analyses miss the fact that this lack of access is directly attributable to poverty. For the 3 billion people who depend on biomass for energy, suggested alternatives remain too expensive. Solar and wind power are neither convenient nor practical replacements for daily cooking uses in rural areas. Petroleum fuels on the other hand are far more expensive per energy unit when compared to firewood and charcoal, and with current global crude oil price trends, there is little hope that this cost dynamic will change any time soon.
The wood fuel industry in Africa not only supplements the energy requirements for many African countries, it also contributes to the growth of local economies in the form of revenue, taxes and employment income for many others. World Bank estimates place the total number of people employed in Sub-Saharan Africa’s wood fuel sector (charcoal and wood sellers etc) at more than 7 million. Why should Africa focus on getting rid of an energy source which, when managed properly, is a fully renewable energy source? When biomass energy resources are developed sustainably and especially when wood residues and waste are used, combined with tree planting, planted forests can remove the carbon dioxide injected into the atmosphere by burning wood fuel. The loss of biomass as an energy source in the name of clean energy brings less value than it destroys, particularly if the transition to renewables is not accompanied by efforts to address poverty and inequality more broadly.
African countries must take control of their own futures by developing transition timelines that are grounded in reality rather than dictated by external factors such as climate funds, grants, and subsidies. Hasty implementation of renewable energy brings forth risks which may end up exacerbating the problem of energy poverty, as those who rely on fossil fuels will be left without power.
Our leaders have a duty to prioritize the right energy goals and develop a tailored mix of energy solutions that can be deployed according to the specific needs of different regions and economic sectors. For some areas, such as in Africa's rural unconnected areas, solar power could be deployed more efficiently than other energy sources. For regions such as East Africa, geothermal energy could be leveraged due to the region's volcanic activity. Meanwhile, hydropower remains a significant energy source in countries with large rivers such as Ethiopia, Zambia, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But none of these energy sources can be depended on in isolation. It is crucial for African countries to diversify their energy sources in a way that can cater to their demands while also avoiding internal and external conflicts over the allocation of energy resources such as forests and rivers. For instance, Ethiopia's decision to construct a dam on the Blue Nile has caused tensions to escalate with her neighbours Egypt and Sudan. The dam is a major threat to Egypt’s water security considering that more than 90% of Egypt's population depends almost entirely on the Nile waters for household and commercial uses. Sudan has also expressed concerns about a significant drop in water levels along its section of the Nile. African leaders will need to foster friendship and build good working relationships with their regional neighbours if they're to prevent this kind of conflict that could very easily lead to war, destruction and death.
The often-followed electrification model where utility companies generate and distribute electricity through the grid to customers requires huge investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution. This model must be complemented by others which can absorb the customers who cannot afford the high connection costs associated with the grid model.
To achieve energy security and sustainability, African countries will need to create a balanced energy mix that utilizes a variety of sources; a mix which should include both traditional and renewable sources in order to develop an energy system that can provide a stable supply of energy for all. For example, hydroelectric power can provide a reliable base load while solar and wind can be used to supplement the grid during peak demand periods. In Kenya for instance, 41% of the base load power supply is generated from geothermal, 30% from hydroelectric, while wind contributes 16%. Thermal, solar, and imports account for the remaining supply.
African countries should also prioritize energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption and maximize the use of existing energy sources. This can include measures such as upgrading energy infrastructure, improving building codes and standards, and promoting energy-efficient appliances and equipment. In addition, African countries also need to walk the talk when it comes to Research and Development budget allocations. Without significant commitments to innovating and developing new energy solutions, Africa will continue to lag behind in the transition. I implore governments to collaborate with universities, research institutions, and the private sector in order to fund and implement research outcomes and development initiatives aimed at creating more efficient, and cost-effective energy sources. Innovations in energy storage systems such as batteries will enable the storage of excess energy from intermittent sources like solar and wind, thus ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. African leaders should empower and encourage the exploration of the potential offered by new technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, carbon capture and storage, and advanced biofuels.
The energy plan for Africa must prioritize the local context above all else, and not blindly follow global energy commitments. This means considering the unique challenges and opportunities of each region and tailoring solutions accordingly. Two travellers taking a journey to the same destination, at different times of the day, and from different starting points, cannot be expected to arrive at their destination simultaneously. So too must Africa's energy transition be approached with realistic timelines and deliverables. By doing so, African countries can ensure reliable access to power for all while meeting their broader economic and environmental goals.
© 2024, The Nuruba Media & Publishing Company Ltd. & Aberdeen Experience Labs
© 2024, The Nuruba Media & Publishing Company Ltd. & Aberdeen Experience Labs
© 2024, The Nuruba Media & Publishing Company Ltd. & Aberdeen Experience Labs
© 2024, The Nuruba Media & Publishing Company Ltd. & Aberdeen Experience Labs