The European Union sees green hydrogen as a crucial part of the global energy future and regards its partnership with South Africa in this regard as important.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to shift to sustainable energy sources, Africa, with its natural resources and conducive climate, has the potential to lead this transformation. The continent has the potential to provide energy for its people and still produce a surplus for the rest of the world.
Africa’s geographic and climatic conditions are ideal for renewable energy. The continent is blessed with vast deserts, long coastlines and expansive river systems, making it an excellent candidate for solar, wind and hydropower projects.
The Sahara Desert and other arid regions receive some of the highest levels of solar irradiation in the world, providing an immense potential for solar power generation. Photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar home systems can provide electricity to off-grid households, powering lights, appliances and small businesses.
Large-scale solar farms can feed into national grids, enhancing overall energy security and industrialisation. Countries like Morocco, Egypt and South Africa are already harnessing this potential with large-scale solar projects, such as the Noor Solar Complex in Morocco, one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power plants.
Africa’s coastlines and high-altitude regions offer significant wind energy potential. Coastal countries like Kenya and South Africa, and highland areas in Ethiopia and Tanzania are investing in wind farms. Africa’s river systems, including the Congo, Nile and Zambezi, provide substantial opportunities for hydropower development. Small-scale hydro projects can provide reliable power to rural communities, while large dams can support national grids. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile is a prime example of harnessing hydropower to meet the continent’s energy needs. The East African Rift Valley is rich in geothermal resources. Geothermal plants offer a stable and continuous power supply, complementing other renewable sources. Kenya and Ethiopia are exploiting this energy.
Africa’s population is rapidly growing and urbanising, leading to an increasing demand for energy. The continent is home to more than 1.3 billion people, a number expected to double by 2050. This demographic trend underscores the urgent need for reliable and sustainable energy sources to power homes, industries and infrastructure. Access to energy is also critical for economic development. Many African countries suffer from energy deficits, with more than 600 million people lacking clean and affordable electricity. Renewable energy offers a solution to bridge this gap, providing a decentralised and scalable approach to energy generation. Off-grid solar systems and mini-grids can bring electricity to remote and underserved areas.
Africa’s need for energy is a powerful motivator for the continent to invest in renewable energy. The potential benefits are immense, including improved energy security, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced economic resilience. Additionally, renewable energy can create jobs and foster local industries, contributing to broader socio-economic development. Investing in renewable energy can stimulate economic growth by creating new industries and job opportunities. Manufacturing, installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems can provide employment, while fostering skills development and technological innovation.
Renewable energy reduces dependence on imported and extracted fossil fuels, enhancing energy security. By developing its own renewable energy resources, Africa can mitigate the risks associated with volatile global energy markets and geopolitical tensions. Transitioning to renewable energy is crucial for mitigating climate change. Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change, which results in extreme weather events. Renewable energy can help reduce the continent’s carbon footprint and contribute to global climate goals.
But several challenges must be addressed to realise Africa’s vision of becoming a green superpower. First, access to financing and capital is a significant barrier. Renewable energy projects require substantial upfront investment and, bearing in mind the debt crisis, many African countries struggle to attract the necessary funding. Innovative and reformative financing mechanisms such as green bonds and blended finance can help bridge this gap. International partnerships and development finance institutions also play a crucial role in mobilising resources.
Second, developing robust policy and regulatory frameworks is essential for ensuring the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. Many African countries have made progress in this area, but there is still a need for comprehensive and coherent policies that provide clear incentives and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Third, visionary leadership is crucial for driving the renewable energy agenda. African leaders must take ownership of their countries’ energy transitions, moving beyond simply following the directives of the Global North. This requires building local capacity, fostering innovation, and creating an enabling environment for renewable energy development.
Fourth, the reliance on fossil fuels and extractive industries remains a problem. Transitioning to renewable energy requires a strategic shift away from these industries, which can be politically and economically difficult. Diversifying economies and providing alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on fossil fuels are critical steps in this process.
Last, integrating renewable energy into national grids requires significant infrastructure development. Upgrading transmission and distribution networks, developing energy storage solutions, and creating regional interconnections are all necessary to ensure the stability and reliability of renewable energy systems.
Africa’s journey to becoming a global green superpower is both ambitious and achievable. The ultimate success of this endeavour hinges on Africa’s ability to take ownership of its energy future, with a focus on local solutions, innovation, and resilience.
Karabo Mokgonyana is a renewable energy campaigner at Power Shift Africa focusing on renewable energy in Africa, just transitions and climate security.