Energy Transition and Sustainability

Clean Energy: Africa’s Untapped Power

Africa’s renewable energy sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, offering a path to sustainable economic development and energy access for millions. Projects like the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power initiative and South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPPP) demonstrate the transformative power of solar and wind investments.

Growth of Renewable Energy

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa’s renewable energy capacity has grown by 24% annually since 2020, driven by large-scale projects and off-grid solutions. Countries like Morocco and South Africa are leading the charge:

• Morocco’s Noor Solar Complex is one of the largest concentrated solar power plants globally, generating over 580 MW of clean energy, meeting the needs of 1 million people.
• South Africa’s REIPPPP has added over 6,000 MW of renewable energy to the grid, diversifying the country’s energy mix and reducing reliance on coal.
• Kenya’s Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, the largest wind farm in Africa, produces 310 MW, enough to power 200,000 homes.

Visual Insight

To illustrate the continent’s progress, consider this:

Data Source: IRENA Africa Energy Reports, AfDB

Future Projections

Africa’s renewable energy capacity is projected to increase fivefold by 2030. In 2025 alone, investments in solar and wind power will add an estimated 20,000 MW to the continent’s grid. With initiatives like the Desert to Power program, 250 million people in the Sahel region will gain access to clean electricity.

Why It Matters

Renewable energy provides sustainable, affordable power to homes, schools, and businesses while mitigating the impacts of climate change. By capitalizing on solar, wind, and hydro resources, Africa can unlock economic opportunities and secure energy access for future generations.

Africa’s Role as a Leader in Clean Energy Innovation

Africa is not just adopting renewable energy—it is becoming a global leader in clean energy innovation. Projects like Morocco’s Noor Solar Complex and Kenya’s Lake Turkana Wind Power Project are setting benchmarks for efficiency and scale, attracting global interest and investment. Africa’s unique ability to leapfrog fossil fuel dependency positions the continent as a model for sustainable energy transitions worldwide. As investments grow, Africa’s leadership in clean energy can inspire solutions for a greener, more equitable future.

Resource: IRENA: Renewable Energy in Africa, World Bank: Africa Energy Outlook

Clean Energy: Africa’s Untapped Power

Africa’s renewable energy sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, offering a path to sustainable economic development and energy access for millions. Projects like the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power initiative and South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPPP) demonstrate the transformative power of solar and wind investments.

Growth of Renewable Energy

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa’s renewable energy capacity has grown by 24% annually since 2020, driven by large-scale projects and off-grid solutions. Countries like Morocco and South Africa are leading the charge:

• Morocco’s Noor Solar Complex is one of the largest concentrated solar power plants globally, generating over 580 MW of clean energy, meeting the needs of 1 million people.
• South Africa’s REIPPPP has added over 6,000 MW of renewable energy to the grid, diversifying the country’s energy mix and reducing reliance on coal.
• Kenya’s Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, the largest wind farm in Africa, produces 310 MW, enough to power 200,000 homes.

Visual Insight

To illustrate the continent’s progress, consider this:

Data Source: IRENA Africa Energy Reports, AfDB

Future Projections

Africa’s renewable energy capacity is projected to increase fivefold by 2030. In 2025 alone, investments in solar and wind power will add an estimated 20,000 MW to the continent’s grid. With initiatives like the Desert to Power program, 250 million people in the Sahel region will gain access to clean electricity.

Why It Matters

Renewable energy provides sustainable, affordable power to homes, schools, and businesses while mitigating the impacts of climate change. By capitalizing on solar, wind, and hydro resources, Africa can unlock economic opportunities and secure energy access for future generations.

With over 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, Africa’s renewable energy potential remains one of its greatest opportunities. Projects like the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power and decentralized solar systems in rural regions show how innovation can bridge Africa’s energy gap.

Scaling Solar and Wind Projects

Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, yet it accounts for just 1% of global solar energy production. Scaling up renewable energy projects will unlock vast economic opportunities. Countries like Morocco, through its Noor Solar Complex, have already proven this potential by supplying clean energy to over 1 million people.

In South Africa, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has brought 6,000 MW of clean energy online since its inception. Additionally, wind energy in Kenya, through the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, generates up to 310 MW, powering over 200,000 homes.

Citation: IRENA: Renewables in Africa, Lake Turkana Wind Power

Growth Projections and Impact

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa’s renewable energy capacity is expected to grow fivefold by 2030, with solar and wind accounting for the bulk of this expansion. Projections for 2025 alone estimate an additional 20,000 MW of renewable energy, particularly in East and North Africa.

Data: Africa’s renewable energy capacity grew by 24% in 2022, a trend expected to accelerate with further investments in solar farms, wind projects, and hydroelectric power.

Energy Access and Economic Impact

Expanding clean energy has a transformative impact on local economies. Improved energy access will support industries, schools, and healthcare facilities. For example, Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam is expected to supply 6,000 MW of hydroelectric power, boosting energy trade across the region and powering manufacturing hubs.

Off-Grid Solutions

Decentralized solar solutions remain critical for rural communities. Companies like d.light and BBOXX are providing affordable solar home systems, benefiting millions in off-grid areas of Uganda, Rwanda, and Nigeria. By 2025, decentralized solar is expected to reach over 100 million people, strengthening job creation and economic empowerment.

Citation: d.light Energy Solutions, IRENA Off-Grid Report

Why It Matters

Clean energy powers industries, homes, and schools without compromising Africa’s environment. With clear growth projections and proven success in countries like Morocco, South Africa, and Kenya, renewable energy offers Africa a path to economic resilience and sustainability.

Resource: IRENA: Renewable Energy in Africa, World Bank: Africa Energy Outlook

Clean Energy: Africa’s Untapped Power

With over 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, Africa’s renewable energy potential remains one of its greatest opportunities. Projects like the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power and decentralized solar systems in rural regions show how innovation can bridge Africa’s energy gap.

Solar and Wind Projects

Scaling up renewable projects in countries like Morocco (Noor Solar Complex) and South Africa will be key to providing affordable and reliable energy.

Citation: IRENA Report: Renewables in Africa

Why it matters: Clean energy powers industries, homes, and schools without compromising Africa’s environment.

Resource: IRENA: Renewable Energy in Africa