LIGHT UP AFRICA : The Energy Imperative
The challenge of energy access in Africa stands as a critical barrier to development and prosperity for millions. With over half a billion people at risk of being left in the dark by 2030, the urgency to address this issue cannot be ignored. The Sub-Saharan region is home to nearly 400 million individuals residing in countries marked by fragility, conflict, and violence, exacerbating the difficulty to fulfill electricity needs of these populations. The world is evolving rapidly, and we don’t want to be left behind, what are we doing to further growth and prevent the spread of darkness.
The Urgency of Energy Access
The World Bank Group has recognized the imperative of overcoming energy poverty in Africa and has initiated efforts to deploy innovative financial and technical solutions.
These interventions are crucial for accelerating electrification rates faster than population growth.
“Ajay Banga, announced plans to ramp up electricity access for a quarter billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa, reaching nearly half the 600 million Africans currently without energy access by 2030. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), announced that AfDB will join this mission and help connect an additional 50 million people.”
Africa is facing considerable challenges facing efforts to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030 as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7.1.1.
· To meet SDG 7.1.1, approximately 110 million new electricity connections are needed annually from 2022 onwards. However, based on the latest data, it is projected t hat 660 million people will still lack access to electricity by 2030, with 85% of these individuals (560 million) residing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
· Significant efforts are required in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, which collectively represent nearly half of the global population without electricity access projections for 2030.
· The financing gap remains significant, with current investments falling short of the projected USD 30 billion per year needed to achieve universal access by 2030. International support is crucial to bridge the access gap in the least developed countries where financing challenges are most acute. National governments must also implement robust electrification plans and allocate capital effectively to electricity access projects.
Without reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, the region will struggle to achieve its development aspirations, impeding economic growth and hindering efforts to lift millions out of poverty.
the energy gap
The lack of adequate energy infrastructure across much of Sub-Saharan Africa poses multifaceted challenges. At the heart of this issue lies the stark reality that millions of households and businesses lack access to electricity.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Most sub-Saharan Africans surveyed who say they work report having no electricity at their place of work in the last seven days. This lack of electricity in the workplace ranges from 92% in Mali and Niger to 12% in South Africa.
Here are some key statistics and data from Gallup Surveys:
Majority of sub-Saharan African workers report having no electricity at their workplace in the last seven days.
Some businesses in sub-Saharan Africa rely on generators due to inadequate grid electricity. However, the World Bank Enterprise Surveys indicate that relying on generators is far more costly compared to being connected to the local power grid.
In most surveyed countries, farmers represent a majority of the self-employed population, especially in low-income countries like Mali and Niger.
Professional workers such as doctors and engineers are among the least likely to lack workplace electricity. However, a significant proportion of professional workers still report no electricity at their workplace, similar to sales workers and clerks.
This deficit delays economic growth and limits opportunities for education, healthcare, and technological advancement. Many communities still rely on inefficient and environmentally harmful energy sources such as kerosene lamps and biomass for their energy needs, perpetuating health risks and impeding productivity.
Insufficient investment in energy infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and skilled personnel pose significant challenges. Countries affected by conflict and instability face even greater hurdles due to disrupted supply chains and investment flows. Additionally, the high upfront costs of establishing energy infrastructure, coupled with the risk perception of private investors, create a daunting environment for sustainable energy development.
The Path Forward
Off-Grid Solutions
As countries are looking to achieve the Net Zero Emission by 2050, how do we provide universal access to energy without hurting the environment?
According to the IEA's (International Energy Agency) NZE scenario, more than half of the population gaining access to electricity by 2030 will do so through off-grid solutions.
This includes mini-grids and stand-alone systems, which are decentralized energy solutions that can provide electricity to remote or underserved communities where grid connectivity is challenging or economically unfeasible.
Renewable Energy:
The Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario highlights that almost 90% of new electricity connections in this pathway will be based on renewable energy sources.
This emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass in expanding electricity access sustainably and affordably across Africa.
Sub-Saharan Africa alone possesses abundant renewable energy resources that can be harnessed for sustainable electricity generation.
Here are some key renewable energy resources available in the region:
Sub-Saharan Africa receives ample sunlight throughout the year, making solar energy a highly viable resource. The region has the potential to generate significant electricity from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, and solar water heating technologies.
Coastal areas and highlands in Sub-Saharan Africa experience strong and consistent wind patterns, ideal for wind energy generation. Wind farms and turbines can be strategically installed to capture and convert wind energy into electricity.
Sub-Saharan Africa is endowed with numerous rivers and water bodies, offering substantial hydropower potential. Large-scale hydroelectric projects as well as small and micro-hydro installations can contribute to electricity generation, particularly in countries with abundant water resources.
The East African Rift Valley region, including countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, boasts significant geothermal energy potential. This region is an active continental rift zone where the African tectonic plate is splitting into two separate plates, creating geological instability and volcanic activity. This tectonic activity results in the upwelling of magma from the Earth's mantle closer to the surface, which heats underground water reservoirs and creates geothermal reservoirs.
Coastal countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have potential for harnessing ocean energy, including tidal energy and wave energy. Pilot projects and research initiatives are exploring the feasibility of ocean energy technologies.
To surmount these challenges, concerted efforts are required on multiple fronts. First and foremost, increased investment in energy infrastructure, both by governments and the private sector, is essential. Governments must create conducive regulatory environments that attract investment while ensuring equitable and sustainable energy access for all citizens. Leveraging innovative financing mechanisms and technologies, such as off-grid solar solutions, can rapidly expand electricity access to remote and underserved populations.
Moreover, regional cooperation and partnerships are vital for scaling up energy projects and sharing best practices. Investing in education and training programs to build a skilled workforce capable of managing and maintaining modern energy systems is equally crucial. Finally, it is crucial to integrate renewable energy sources into the energy mix to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change impacts while promoting sustainable development.
Addressing the energy deficit in Africa is a prerequisite for realizing the continent's full economic and social potential. With concerted action and investment, Sub-Saharan Africa can harness its abundant renewable energy resources to power inclusive growth, improve livelihoods, and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.