Energy Transition in Africa

The world's demand for energy coupled with a decreasing stock and supply of fossil fuels is propelling the transition to renewable sources of energy. This global movement presents many opportunities and challenges to Africa. If Africa can identify the opportunities and start to position itself, with its abundant sources of renewable energy, it stands a chance of being a global player in the production and supply of renewable energy. Achieving this will, however, require a combination of effective planning and investment on infrastructure, skills and technology. In determining how this should be done, this publication has brought together some of Africa's leading experts in the field. The book sets out a foundation for Africa's role in harnessing renewable energy by highlighting an ideal mix of investment, resource use, skills development and infrastructure management which the authors believe Africa needs in order to migrate successfully to a green economy that is supported by renewable energy. In policy terms, a pan-African approach is required to drive African policy on renewable energy that will cater for Africa's economies. This should also demonstrate a political will to carry the policy through and to establish an environment that encourages private investment as well as providing access to carbon credit finances. In this new era of what has been termed 'the second scramble for Africa', the authors views on Africa's potential to supply renewable energy present hope that Africa can lead in the supply of renewable energy.