Renewable sources of energy in Africa: Status of development and future contribution to the energy mix

Renewable sources of energy in Africa are widely regarded as alternatives to fossil fuels. Being an abundant indigenous reserve, they offer considerable savings of foreign exchange. Also, they are usually regarded as environmentally friendly and thus do not contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect. However, present contributions of renewable energy to the African energy supply remain negligible despite substantial claims often made about the potential scope for renewable energy forms. This paper is based on a comprehensive study undertaken by the United Nations' Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in 1993-1994. The assessment of renewable energy contributions to the energy mix has been made based on data obtained from African countries. A formula reflecting new and renewable sources of energy (NRSE) utilization was developed and an attempt was made to delineate some zones with identical patterns of NRSE utilization. Some of the difficulties encountered in the dissemination of NRSE technologies and incentives introduced by African countries are also discussed. The conclusion reached is that African states acknowledge the role of NRSE in the development of future world energy systems. Yet the probability of NRSE assuming a greater share in energy supplies within the next two decades in Africa is doubtful.