Electricity and Control December 2022

WRITE @ THE BACK

O ne of the key topics in focus at next year’s Africa Energy Indaba, set to take place from 7 to 9 March 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, will be Africa’s natural solar energy potential. Africa’s resource-rich landscape has attracted many in vestments that continue to power its economy. However, as the world grapples with the critical challenges presented by the use of non-renewable energy sources, now is the time to turn the conversation to ‘the sun continent’s’ unri valled potential to harness solar energy. Across the region, electricity generation from renewa bles has more than doubled over the past two decades, with Egypt and South Africa leading the way. As many African governments recognise the need to increase ac cess to electricity and to service the high levels of demand, opportunities arise for investors looking to support these countries not only to achieve universal access and dis tribute electricity more equitably, but also to meet net zero emissions targets. Africa enjoys long periods of bright sunshine throughout the year, and large stretches of land experience minimal cloud cover. For people living on the continent, these geo graphical and climatic advantages mean that solar power can be leveraged and distributed locally without the need for large-scale grid infrastructure. Data recently published on statistics portal Statista shows that globally, Africa has the lead with regard to long term potential solar energy output, calculated at slightly above 4.5 kWh/kWp per day, ahead of all other world re gions assessed. Solar energy as a catalyst for good Considering that only 20% of the world’s population lives in 70 countries where conditions are ideal for solar pow er generation, the data confirms Africa’s huge potential for economic development and socio-economic progress. His torically, many rural and geographically dispersed commu nities throughout the continent have been excluded from Africa’s solar power potential

[Source: statista]

Statistics indicate that globally, Africa has the highest long-term potential solar energy output. grid-based electricity supply, which has hindered develop ment and limited access to basic amenities. By making the most of its abundantly available renew able resources and moving away from fossil fuels, Africa could create multiple opportunities for its people to improve their quality of life with affordable and sustainable electricity services. Investing in solar power in Africa Africa’s solar power potential equally presents multiple op portunities for investors seeking long-term, scalable finan cial projects – and the prospects for investors are support ed by several favourable factors: - Population growth and development Africa has clearly signalled to investors looking to the development of solar power and renewable energy tech nologies that the continent is ready and open for business. Clean energy and sustainable growth are high on the agen da and present a considerable incentive to capitalise on the continent’s mix of extraction and manufacturing capa bilities to support the adoption and implementation of so lar energy. As demand for electricity services continues to grow, achieving socio-economic development goals for the continent’s population will depend to a large extent on ac cess to versatile green energy sources. The upcoming Africa Energy Indaba will offer partici pants a platform to explore challenges and opportunities and to promote innovation in energy operations. The con ference will bring together leaders and experts to share their knowledge and experience in Africa’s energy sector, to consider advanced solutions and new business mod els, and to develop competitive and sustainable projects, in turn contributing to the growth of the countries and the economies in which they operate. The indaba further offers a forum to network and collaborate with energy stakehold ers across the industry. - Untapped potential - Political commitment - Varied and scalable opportunities.

[Photo credit: Halima Bouchouicha on Unsplash]

Africa – the sun continent – has rich potential to harness solar energy.

For more information visit: https://energyindaba.co.za

32 Electricity + Control DECEMBER 2022