Africa could generate nearly a quarter of its energy needs through the use of indigenous, clean, renewable energy by 2030, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).<\/p>\n
The report, entitled Africa 2030, finds that a combination of modern renewable technology could realistically meet 22% of Africa\u2019s energy needs by 2030, a more than a fourfold increase from just 5% in 2013.<\/p>\n
The report also finds that scaling up modern renewables in Africa is an affordable means to help meet fast-growing energy demand while increasing energy access, improving health and achieving sustainability goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfrica holds some of the best renewable energy resources in the world in the form of biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind,\u201d said Irena director general Adnan Z Amin on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis, combined with the precipitous drop in renewable energy technology costs, creates a massive opportunity for African countries to both transform and expand their energy systems while providing a pathway for low carbon economic growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a game changer for African development for the future,\u201d he told Fin24 in an interview at the SA International Renewable Energy Conference. \u201cIt raises the prospect of an indigenous, diverse energy system that gives you resilience, that lowers carbon, and that gives you self-sufficiency in energy.\u201d<\/p>\n
He warned African countries looking at a mixed energy source of renewables, oil, coal and nuclear to \u201cretain all your options\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cCreate an enabling environment for indigenous energy resources based on renewables,\u201d he said. \u201cDevelop robust policy frameworks and look for international engagement to lower the cost of financing.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said South Africans are leaders in Africa in modern renewables. \u201cWhat they\u2019ve been able to do with (the) renewables model\u2026 is really very impressive.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a model that can be replicated in other countries and it\u2019s a model we intend to study more for its applicability for other countries.\u201d<\/p>\n
The report identifies nearly 10 exajoules \u2013 the equivalent of more than 341 megatonnes of coal \u2013 of options for sustainable development through renewable energy. Roughly 40% of this energy would be in the power sector.<\/p>\n
Renewable energy capacity additions could increase the share of modern renewables in the power sector to 50% by 2030, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 310 megatonnes, the report explains.<\/p>\n
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