The energy transition in Africa
Global warming is leading to climate change and an increase in the number of disasters. Although Africa is a low emitter of greenhouse gases, it is one of the continents most affected (3% of global emissions, although the African population accounts for 17% of the world's population), as recent events (droughts, particularly in the Horn of Africa, but also in Algeria) have shown (floods in West Africa, Nigeria, Niger and Chad, where hundreds of thousands of people have had to be displaced): Nigeria, Niger, Chad where hundreds of thousands of people have had to be displaced) ... The energy transition in Africa involves switching from fossil energy sources (such as coal and oil) to renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind and hydroelectric). This transition is crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Africa has good potential for renewable energy. The continent benefits from abundant sunshine, particularly in the Sahara, the Sahel and the southern regions, as well as wind resources and very significant hydroelectric potential (Central Africa and in particular the Inga Falls in the DRC, which could be equipped with a production capacity equivalent to several dozen nuclear power stations).
Recent initiatives include Desert to Power, an African Development Bank initiative aimed at transforming the Sahara desert into a source of solar energy capable of supplying electricity to millions of people. In addition, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports various renewable energy projects across the continent, aimed at increasing access to clean energy.
Despite these favourable conditions, only 2% of renewable energy investments are made in Africa. There are many reasons for this weakness, starting with the very high interest rates on the financing needed for these projects. These rates are explained by the reluctance and fears of financial backers, fears that are often unjustified. We need to develop innovative financing mechanisms, such as green funds and carbon credits. We also need to encourage partnerships between governments, the private sector and international organisations to mobilise resources and share risks.
Finally, capacity building is an important prerequisite: training local populations in renewable energy technologies and building the technical skills to manage and maintain energy infrastructures.
Refining
Our conference on refining in Africa in April was attended by around sixty people and provided an opportunity to take stock of the continent's petroleum product supply situation. You will find attached the presentations made during the conference.
SIEPA Report
The report on the SIEPA (International Exhibition on Energy and Oil in Africa) held in Dakar earlier this year is now available.
Jean-Pierre Favennec
Président
Association pour
le Développement
de l'Énergie en Afrique
