Potential of Renewables in Africa 

The energy sector is widely recognized as an important driver of economic development. Renewable energy technologies can play a major role in national development in terms of job creation and income generation as well as providing an environmentally sound energy service. Compared to the conventional large-scale energy systems that require massive investments, most renewable energy technologies are available at modest capital costs. In addition, renewables are modular and are well suited for meeting decentralized rural energy demand.  The modular nature (i.e. can be developed in an incremental fashion) of most renewable energy technologies and the low investment levels makes them particularly suitable for capital-constrained African countries.

To better understand the opportunities for renewables in the region, the Heinrich Boll Foundation Regional Office for Eastern and Horn of Africa in collaboration with AFREPREN/FWD initiated a study on Renewables in Africa as part of its post-WSSD follow-up activities. The study, involves 4 country studies (Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda), and a regional study covering Eastern and Southern Africa.

The objectives of the study are to:

• Review the status and potential of renewable energy technologies in the 4 Eastern African countries.

• Examine the viability of the 10% renewable energy technology target proposed at the Johannesburg WSSD Summit in selected African Countries.

• Investigate the impact of renewable energy technologies on debt and balance of payments.

• Document other benefits of renewables such as job and enterprise creation as well as contribution to enhancing gender balance.

Prior to launching the study, an Expert Brainstorming Workshop on Renewable Energy Technologies in East and Horn of Africa was held on 23rd -24th May 2003 in Nairobi, Kenya. The key objectives of the workshop were to:

• Review and refine the study proposal.

• Identify country study teams and develop terms of reference.

• Develop a work plan for the project.

Outputs

- 4 Country Studies

- 1 Regional Report 

Click here to download the draft study reports in PDF format

- Publications

AFREPREN/FWD Occasional Paper No. 24:"The Potential Contribution of Renewables in Ethiopia's Energy Sector: An Analysis of Geothermal and Cogeneration Technologies" W. Woldemariam, AFREPREN/FWD, Nairobi, 2004. (Downloadable in PDF format)

The Potential Contribution of Renewables to Africa’s Energy Sector: Summary for Policymakers (Downloadable in PDF format)

- National Seminars 

In order to lobby nationally, seminars for policy makers and stakeholders were held in each of the countries where the study is being undertaken (Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania). The seminar proceedings are summarised below:

The Ethiopia National Seminar: 19^th February 2004

Seminar Theme: The Economic and Technical Potentials of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in Ethiopia

Aims of the seminar:

-     To bring together policy makers and stakeholders in the Ethiopian Energy Sector, to assess and discuss the technical and economic potential of various renewable energy technologies in Ethiopia and to sensitise them on the benefits of RETs in the region, by dissemination of research findings.

-     To discuss development priorities on renewables in Ethiopia and build consensus on priority issues to be presented at the International Conference on Renewable Energy in June, 2004. 

Download a brief report on the seminar in PDF format

Kenya National Policy Seminar/Environment Forum - 27^th February 2004  

This national event was organized in conjunction with HBF’s regular monthly Environment Forum and was titled, "What are the benefits of renewables? An East and Horn of Africa Perspective."  The seminar aimed at disseminating the interim findings of the study to stakeholders in Kenya and the region. Download a brief report on the Seminar in PDF format.  

Tanzania Policy Seminar: Dar es Salaam – Tanzania, 31st March 2004  

Seminar Theme: Renewable Energy Technologies in Tanzania - Status and Prospects

Aims of the seminar:

-     Disseminate some of the key interim findings from the study

-     Consult with key stakeholders on the major issues facing renewables in the country

-     Develop common national approach on renewables in the country

Download the seminar proceedings brief in PDF format

Uganda National Seminar: 6th April 2004

Aims of the seminar:

-     Disseminate Uganda country study research findings.

-     Garner the energy policy research priorities of key stakeholders in the Uganda energy sector

-     Propose and discuss priorities on renewable energy for Uganda

-     Garner inputs from stakeholders and policy makers

Download the summary of the seminar proceedings in PDF format

- 1 Regional Seminar

HBF/AFREPREN/FWD Regional Policy Seminar:  8th – 9th May 2004, Nairobi, Kenya.  

Seminar Theme: How can renewables benefit Africa – Building a common agenda for Bonn 2004

The seminar brought together a wide range of participants to forge a common position on renewables in the East and Horn of Africa region. The seminar coincided with a meeting of African Ministers to prepare a statement for Africa, for presentation at the Bonn Conference 2004.  This allowed for interaction between participants at the ministerial meeting and the regional seminar.

Aims of the seminar:

-     Disseminate the key findings from the study, based on regional and national studies conducted.

-     Consult with key stakeholders on the major issues facing renewables in the region

-     Develop a common position on renewables at a regional level in preparation for the Bonn 2004 International Conference on Renewable Energy

Download the summary of the seminar proceedings in PDF format

- Side Event at the International Conference on Renewable Energies, Bonn, Germany

"What are the Benefits of Renewables for Africa?" - AFREPREN/FWD/HBF Side Event at the International Conference on Renewable Energies, Bonn, June 1-4, 2004

AFREPREN/FWD/HBF organised a Side Event titled "What are the Benefits of Renewables for Africa?" during the International Conference for Renewable Energies (Renewables 2004) held on June 1-4 2004 in Bonn, Germany. The conference brought together an estimated 2,000 participants from all parts of the globe, and from all sectors and institutions involved in renewable energy.  Approximately 80 participants attended the Side Event.

Download the summary report of the Side Event in PDF format

- Other Related Events

Participated in the African Research & Resource Forum - Public Lecture Series 2004: "The Economic Conditions in West Africa - Lessons for East Africa". Nairobi-Kenya, 20th April 2004

For more information on this study, please contact the AFREPREN/FWD Secretariat at the following address:

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