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Browsing: addressing energy poverty in Africa with renewable energy solutions
- With its vast rivers and elevated terrains, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most hydropower-rich nations.
- According to the International Hydropower Association, Ethiopia’s untapped rivers could generate up to 45,000 MW of electricity.
- However, While Ethiopia could evolve into a regional ticket to energy independence, some nations like Egypt and Sudan have expressed concerns over water access and environmental impact.
Ethiopia has long harboured dreams of becoming a renewable energy powerhouse. With its vast rivers and elevated terrains, it is one of Africa’s most hydropower-rich nations.
And as global pressure mounts to curb fossil fuel dependency, the country’s hydropower ambitions offer a glimpse into a future where East Africa’s energy needs could be sustainably met.
With expanding projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and various regional power-sharing agreements underway, Ethiopia is moving beyond its borders, positioning itself as a critical player in East Africa’s renewable energy push.
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- Existing scientific research in Africa’s renewable energy transition often overlooks certain dispatchable technologies that could enhance grid flexibility.
- Studies primarily focus on zero-carbon dispatchable technologies like concentrated solar power and geothermal, despite their limitations in efficiency, reliability, and cost.
- Balancing engine power plants, which are globally recognized for their flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, are notably absent in these analyses, despite their potential to run on clean fuels in the future.
It is no longer disputed that solar and wind power will be the foundation of Africa’s future energy systems. They are perfectly suited to the continent’s unique conditions and are already the most cost-competitive power option in almost all cases. This consensus spans academia, businesses, and policymakers who all recognize the potential of renewable energy to meet Africa’s growing needs sustainably.
They also readily acknowledge the intermittent nature of renewables, and the associated need for flexible power capacity within the …