ABU DHABI // Renewable energy could be the solution to Africa’s power crisis, according to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi.
The Africa 2030 report, published yesterday by Irena, shows the continent’s potential to generate 22 per cent of its energy needs through renewable resources over the next 15 years.
“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 Amin.
“This, combined with the precipitous drop of renewable energy technology costs, creates a massive opportunity for African countries to transform and expand their energy systems, while providing a pathway for low-carbon economic growth.”
An Irena study in April showed the UAE could generate 10 per cent of its needed energy from clean resources.
The REmap 2030 indicated that 25 per cent of its energy could be renewable. A significant portion of the renewable energy proposed by the Africa 2030 report would be solar, as technological developments improve its efficiency.
Africa uses huge amounts of energy in cooking but the report indicated a shift away from traditional cooking stoves to more renewable options would save about Dh100 million a year by 2030.
“Tapping into renewable energy resources is the only way African nations can fuel economic growth, maximise socio-economic development and enhance energy security with limited environmental impact,” Mr Amin said.
“The technologies are available, reliable and increasingly cost-competitive. The onus is now on Africa’s governments to create conditions to accelerate deployment, paving the way for Africa’s unfettered, sustainable development.”
Africa 2030 was published at the South African International Energy Conference.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae