Africa has been witnessing energy crisis for the past few decades. The region is resorting to other energy resources, mainly renewable energy, to resolve its energy problems. Abundant and free-of-cost renewable energy sources such as the wind and sun are considered to be lucrative and viable options.

1. Africa Renewable Energy Market
Poised for a Strong Stride
With Africa witnessing a growing demand for electricity, and falling costs of wind and
solar power, the number of renewable energy projects to be commissioned in 2014 in
the continent is expected to be high.
Electricity Supply Shortage Across Africa
According to the African Development Bank Group, the renewable energy generation capacity
of the 48 sub-Saharan African countries and Spain (whose population is less than 5% of
sub-Saharan Africa) is almost the same.
Renewable energy
generation capacity in
Africa (2011)
68
Gigawatts (GW)
Bridging the Supply Shortage
In 2014, Africa is expected
to add about 1.8 GW of
renewable energy capacity,
which includes geothermal,
wind, and solar, but
excludes major
hydroelectric power plants.
Between 2014 and 2016,
South Africa is expected to
install 3.9 GW of renewable
energy, mostly wind and
solar. Kenya is expected to
install 1.4 GW during the
same period.
If ‘substantial flows’ of
investments are directed
toward Africa, the
continent’s renewable
energy capacity could
quadruple to about 120
GW by 2030.
Potential and Scope of Renewable Energy in Africa
South Africa
Mozambique Kenya
Nigeria
Morocco
Other
Estimated
deployment
4%
of renewable energy
during 2015 - 20 83%
4%
2%
4%
3%
In 2014, IHS Inc. ranked South Africa as the world’s most attractive emerging
country for solar energy.
South Africa and Morocco are the only two major nations to roll out renewable
energy IPP (Independent Power Producers) procurement programs in Africa.
Distribution of identified renewable energy potential in Africa
Potentials
Bioenergy
Geothermal
Hydro
Marin
Solar
Wind
Until 2014, almost half of the African countries had undertaken national resource assessments for
one or more renewable energy sources.
Sector-wise assessment details:
Solar and wind assessments - in at least 21 countries
Biomass assessments - in at least 14 countries
Geothermal assessments - On-going in 7 countries
Distribution of identified renewable energy potential in Africa
Solar PV
Onshore Wind
Solar CSP
Biomass
Solar CPV
Wave
Hydro
Oshore Wind
Geothermal
Tidal
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Source: IRENA Analysis and Baker McKenzie’s
Aranca’s Views
Africa has been witnessing energy crisis for the past few decades. The region is resorting to
other energy resources, mainly renewable energy, to resolve its energy problems. Abundant and
free-of-cost renewable energy sources such as the wind and sun are considered to be lucrative
and viable options. Thus, private firms and foreign governments have invested heavily in the
renewable energy sector of developing countries such as Africa. The investment includes the
African Renewable Energy Fund of US $200 million.
Compiled by: Swati Sinha
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North Africa
South Africa
Sub - Saharan Africa
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) is the most sought after renewable energy technology in Africa.