From North Africa’s solar potential to East Africa’s rift valleys harnessing geothermal heat, Africa is uniquely positioned to leapfrog toward renewables adoption. The continent receives plentiful year-round sunshine capable of catering to rising energy demands sustainably while reducing emissions. Additionally, vast swaths of land can host solar and onshore wind farms to scale up production rapidly.
Africa’s generally flat terrain further keeps installation costs economical compared to small island nations. Furthermore, innovations in battery storage technology are making renewable energy more viable and grid independent. Already, mini-grids and stand-alone systems are reaching remote locales.
The falling costs and improved efficiency of renewables give Africa the opportunity to avoid the mistakes of an industrialized world overly reliant on fossil fuels. And the technology transfer opportunities through international climate financing partnerships expedite Africa’s participation in the global energy transition.
With the youngest and fastest urbanizing population globally, Africa can channel its innovation capabilities towards becoming a pioneer of off-grid renewables while ensuring energy access and equity goals are met. The NDC commitments under the Paris Agreement also provide an actionable framework for countries to transition towards clean energy systems.
The time for Africa to tap into homegrown energy sources like never before while achieving energy independence is now. The continent’s geography and natural resources create fertile ground for an alternative energy revolution that can usher in an era of sustainable African futures powered by the wind, sun and water.
ELECTRICSOL is on a mission to drive for clean and sustainable energy with Africa’s natural resources.