Cornerstone Insights

Africa has an Energy Power Crisis

Africa has an abundance of natural resources available to generate tremendous energy power. Renewable energy can supply an abundance of renewable energy.

For instance, the continent has a large coastline where wind power and wave power resources are abundant and underutilized in the North and South. Africa has much greater solar resources available than any other continent because it is the sunniest continent on earth.

Energy is an essential factor in the reduction of poverty and economic growth. Major sectors like agriculture, education, communication, and technology all require abundant, consistent, and cost-effective energy to spur the much-needed development of the continent.

Currently, many African nations already have small scale solar, wind, and geothermal plants that provide energy in rural areas. These modes of energy production are becoming very useful in remote locations because they bridge the gap created by the excessive cost of transporting electricity from large-scale power plants. We can do better.

Sub-Saharan Africa is Suffering a Huge Energy Deficiency

The lack of reliable energy is stunting growth and hindering development. An estimated 70 percent of people in Sub-Saharan Africa live without reliable access to electricity. In Gabon and Nigeria, manufacturing struggles as electricity remains costly and inconsistent. Power outages, brownouts, and outright power failures disable everyone in African communities. The rising costs of fuel are vastly disproportionate to increased incomes. Solutions for alternative energy must be adopted.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), sub-Saharan Africa will require more than $30 billion in investment to achieve universal electricity by 2030. Rural sub-Saharan Africa will require a vast amount of funds, with more than 85 percent of those living in rural areas lacking access to reliable electricity.

Vast Potential for Renewable Energy in Africa

The application of renewable energy technology has the potential to alleviate many of the problems faced, as well as help, improve the lives of many on the continent.

Many small scale companies and startups have ventured into the provision of supplying renewable energy on the African continent.

During 2022, Solarpowergetics plans to join and support the ranks of growing startups in Sub-Saharan Africa and other regions of the world.