Africa's Renewable Energy Potential: Powering the Continent's Future

• Unlocking Africa's renewable energy potential: A joint study reveals the continent's ability to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2040, but calls for increased investment and a shift away from coal and gas-fired power plants.

A joint study by several universities has found that Africa could obtain 80% of its energy from renewable sources by 2040 if existing power plants were fully utilized and new ones were built. The study, published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, highlights the continent's potential for solar and wind energy, as well as the need for increased investment and a transition away from coal and gas-fired power plants. The researchers also caution against the unchecked expansion of hydroelectricity, as it could have negative environmental and social impacts.

The study emphasizes the advantages of decentralized renewable energy sources, which can operate in local grids without the need for extensive infrastructure. It also suggests that a combination of different forms of energy can help compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind energy production. However, the researchers stress the need for significant investments and international support to achieve universal access to renewable electricity in Africa.

Can Africa achieve 80% renewable energy by 2040 with existing and new power plants?

• The study highlights the potential for Africa to obtain 80% of its energy from renewable sources by 2040.
• Existing power plants in Africa need to be fully utilized and new ones need to be built to achieve this goal.
• Solar and wind energy are identified as key renewable energy sources for Africa.
• The study emphasizes the need for increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure in Africa.
• Transitioning away from coal and gas-fired power plants is crucial for achieving the 80% renewable energy target.
• The researchers caution against the unchecked expansion of hydroelectricity due to potential negative environmental and social impacts.
• Decentralized renewable energy sources are seen as advantageous, as they can operate in local grids without extensive infrastructure.
• A combination of different forms of energy can help compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind energy production.
• Significant investments and international support are necessary to achieve universal access to renewable electricity in Africa.