Despite its abundant renewable energy resources, Africa faces critical infrastructure challenges that hinder its ability to fully harness solar, hydropower, wind, geothermal, and hydrogen energy. Developing the necessary infrastructure to transport and store electricity is essential for a successful transition to clean energy.

While electricity grids exist in every country, many African nations are not yet equipped to handle the increasing demand for renewable energy. Addressing these gaps requires a rapid scale-up of critical infrastructure to reduce costs and enhance performance.

Infrastructure and Cost Challenges

The reliance on imported materials and infrastructure from the Global North makes renewable energy installations prohibitively expensive for many Africans. Despite support from organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), access to affordable infrastructure remains a significant challenge due to rapid population growth.

The Need for Infrastructure Development

A June 2024 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights the uneven geographic distribution of fossil-based and renewable energy resources, necessitating infrastructure development to connect low-cost energy production regions with demand centres. Increasing electricity generation from utility-owned and distributed renewable sources will require substantial network changes to balance supply and demand.

Embracing Innovation for Network Stability

Integrating digitalization, smart systems, and advanced high-power semiconductor technologies is crucial for maintaining network stability and controlling electricity flows. These innovations can optimize electricity distribution and support the broader adoption of renewable energy across Africa.

Spotlight on National Initiatives

Nigeria’s Solar Ambitions

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has allocated $24 million (10 billion naira) to deploy over 200,000 solar home systems across Nigeria. This initiative, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), aims to provide electricity to 5 million households, benefiting 25 million Nigerians in rural and underserved urban areas.

Egypt’s Renewable Energy Growth

Egypt capitalises on its abundant renewable energy resources, including hydro, wind, solar, and biomass. By 2023, Egypt’s renewable energy capacity reached 6,709 megawatts, a 6.12% increase from the previous year. This upward trend indicates Egypt’s gradual transition towards renewable energy sources.

South Africa’s Solar Potential

South Africa’s geography and climate make it ideal for harnessing biomass, wind, and solar energy. With over 2,500 hours of sunshine annually and daily solar radiation ranging between 4.5 and 6.5 kWh/m², solar energy is the most promising and rapidly growing renewable source in South Africa.

Ghana’s Hydropower and Renewable Energy Needs

Ghana relies heavily on the Akosombo and Kpong dams for electricity, with these hydropower stations providing nearly 65% of the country’s 2,200 MW total electricity capacity. To meet the growing electricity demand of about 10% annually, Ghana’s generation capacity must increase to approximately 4,200 MW by 2026. Expanding renewable energy sources is crucial for meeting these needs and combating climate change.

Kenya’s Geothermal and Wind Energy

Kenya’s significant geothermal energy resources, particularly from the Olkaria Geothermal Project in the Great Rift Valley, provide an “essentially limitless” and easily accessible energy source. Kenya has also rapidly developed its wind and solar energy sectors, highlighted by the Lake Turkana Wind Plant (LTWP), Africa’s largest wind farm with 365 turbines.

In all, Africa’s potential to become a leader in renewable energy is undeniable. However, overcoming infrastructure challenges is crucial. By investing in critical infrastructure and embracing innovative technologies, Africa can enhance electricity access, reduce costs, and improve renewable energy system performance, paving the way for a sustainable and energy-secure future.

This blog is authored by Martins Eze, a journalist and  communication intern at the Electricity Hub. The piece is originally published on the Electricity Hub.