Antinuclear

Africa’s renewable energy boom

Renewables offer least-cost option for energy shortages in Africa REneweconomy, By Jon Walter 20 June 2013Africa is undergoing a renewable energy boom, led by South Africa and Morocco, and renewables are offering the least-cost option to reduce a chronic power shortage and lack of access to electricity across the continent.

A report from the energy team at global law firm Baker & McKenzie, suggests solar PV has the most potential throughout Africa, while solar concentrated solar power (CSP), onshore wind and solar CPV are also tipped to make a significant contribution to the energy mix. Hydro and biomass are viewed as the most obvious complements to solar PV in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The report found that renewables can play a major role in the electrification of Africa because they can compete with conventional energy sources, particularly away from the limited transmission networks or developed fuel transportation hubs, but they are also cheaper than new coal-fired generators.

Much electricity generation in Africa relies on diesel fuel. With limited refining capacity on the continent, and few pipeline networks, the cost of diesel-powered electricity generation is high.

Removing fuel costs from the equation gives renewable energy a comparative cost advantage.South Africa intends to bring 6.9 gigawatts (GW) of renewables capacity online by 2020 and has already awarded 2.4 GW of contracts through the first two windows of its procurement programme. The first phase of 1.4 GW comprises $5.4 billion of contracts.

Renewables were competitive with new-build coal in South Africa’s second procurement…….. http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/renewables-offer-least-cost-option-for-energy-shortages-in-africa-87419

June 21, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized