Page 4 - AfrElec Week 12 2023

AfrElec COMMENTARY AfrElec

African wind power projects bring

energy security, job opportunities

African countries have significant wind energy resources that could lead to rapid economic
growth under green recovery measures, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) says.

AFRICA WIND energy generation is becoming increas- than $2bn for the economy, said the GWEC
ingly popular in many parts of Africa owing to report.
the continent’s abundant wind resources and Morocco has invested heavily in renewable
WHAT: the need to diversify energy sources to reduce energy in recent years, including wind energy.
Wind energy generation the dependence on fossil fuels. However, despite The country’s first large-scale wind project,
is becoming increasingly its large potential, penetration of wind power the 140-MW Khalladi wind farm, was com-
popular in Africa owing to generation in Africa’s energy sector remains missioned in 2018, and several other projects
the continent’s abundant very low. are in the works. And Morocco could add an
wind resources and the According to the Global Wind Energy Coun- extra 638 MW of capacity, according to the
need to diversify energy cil (GWEC), accelerating wind deployment can report, translating to another 75,000 jobs and
sources to reduce the be a key tool for developing countries looking to more than $1bn extra gross value added to the
dependence on fossil grow their economy and deliver on climate goals. economy.
fuels. GWEC has recently released a report on the Overall, wind energy generation has gained
untapped potential of wind energy in develop- popularity in Africa as many countries have
WHY: ing countries, writes bneIntellinews. The report, realised its potential to provide reliable and
Accelerating wind titled “Capturing economic opportunities from affordable electricity to communities across the
deployment can be a wind power in developing economies” and pro- continent. Kenya has prioritised investments
key tool for developing duced in collaboration with BVG Associates, in renewable energy and has rolled out plans to
countries looking to focused on Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indo- phase out electricity generation from thermal
grow their economy and nesia and Morocco. These countries have signif- sources, NewsBase reports.
deliver on climate goals. icant wind energy resources that could lead to The East African country has also made sig-
rapid economic growth under green recovery nificant progress in developing its wind energy
WHAT NEXT: measures, the report said. sector, with several large wind farms in opera- South Africa has
The GWEC report According to the report, in just five years tion, including the Lake Turkana Wind Power
recommends clear these countries could add 3.5 GW of wind energy project, one of the largest wind farms in Africa. the largest wind
policy commitments, capacity, creating 130,000 full-time equivalent The government has set a target of generating
infrastructure (FTE) work-years and an extra $12.5bn for 100% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy capacity
development and their economies. The report also highlighted sources by 2030, which has spurred investment on the continent,
streamlined permitting the ongoing benefits of accelerated wind pro- in wind energy.
rules. ject deployment, including greater economic South Africa has the largest wind energy with several wind
growth, improved energy security and resilience. capacity on the continent, with several wind
To achieve this, the report recommends clear farms located across the country. However, farms located
policy commitments, infrastructure develop- Africa’s most advanced economy is in the grips
ment and streamlined permitting rules. Accel- of an ongoing energy crisis. The country, with across the
erated deployment of wind and renewable an installed capacity of just above 40,000 MW, country.
energy can deliver pro-active policymaking and 80% of which is coal-fired, relies on its aged and
co-ordination, which means new jobs, new high- poorly maintained thermal facilities which fre-
tech manufacturing and accelerated growth for quently break down.
developing economies. As of 2023, South Africa has 37 operating
with farms with a total installed capacity of
African winds of change about 3,560 MW. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s
In Africa, Egypt has one of the largest wind government is promoting greater investment
energy markets, with several wind farms already in renewable projects with the hope that their
in operation and plans for many more. The gov- contribution will rise from 11% to about 41% by
ernment’s target of generating 20% of the coun- 2030, writes bneIntellinews.
try’s electricity from renewable sources by 2022
has led to increased investment in wind energy. South Africa’s slow progress
Egypt’s already ambitious plans could see an The Renewable Energy Independent Power Pro-
extra 164,000 FTE jobs and potentially more ducer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP),

P4 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 12 22•March•2023