Browsing: Adoption of green energy

Wind and solar energy | EAC renewable energy
  • The EAC has announced investments in wind and solar energy infrastructure.
  • Member states have launched various initiatives designed to catalyze and grow the use of renewable energies and energy conservation on the other.
  • To achieve this ambitious green future, the bloc needs political will, regulation, and the creation of national renewable energy laws.

The East African Community (EAC) partner states are working to enhance energy efficiency in the bloc even as reports show some members are doubling down on projects improving the extraction of fossil fuels.

During the Ministerial Session of the 16th Sectoral Council of Energy held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, the six-member bloc announced investments in wind and solar energy infrastructure, driving the region closer to an era of green economy.

Although the investment amount was not specified, the ministers highlighted the goal of utilising wind, solar, and geothermal energy as sustainable sources for …

  • Africa’s green bonds market is growing rapidly as the continent increases issuances to power transition to  green energy.
  • The Green and Resilience Debt Platform (GRDP) has been established to address climate financing gaps in Africa.
  • Countries will now have access to $2B in green debt capital markets via the Platform, thereby bolstering resilience against climate change shocks. 

The green bonds market in Africa is showing strong signs of growth as countries move to tackle climate change. The sector is registering a renewed momentum attracting investments in response to the continent’s vulnerability to climate change crisis. For instance, the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) has granted EUR 500,000 to the Green and Resilience Debt Platform (GRDP).

The Fund was established by the UNDP in partnership with UNCDF, European Investment Bank (EIB), Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the European Union’s Global Green Bond Initiative (GGBI). The platform is working with various stakeholders to …

  • African nations are harnessing it's push toward the oil and gas industry despite global push to reduce greenhouse gasses
  • Oil-rich nations are keen to explore and pump out various fossil fuels as the rest of the world moves toward being Carbon Neutral
  • COP 26 focused on resolutions for the world, but that was mainly the developed world, what about Africa?

Part 1: The fuel of modern-day civilization

The backdrop of modern-day development as embodied in Europe, America, Asia and the Arab Peninsula all lies in fossil fuel, crude oil, black gold. It is the burning of fossil fuels that runs our engines and powers our economies.   Indeed, we owe our modern civilization and advances to fossil fuel.

Great!  What is not so great is the cost that comes with burning fossil fuels.   The primary cause of current climate change, altering the Earth's ecosystems and causing human and environmental health problems

The pursuit of a greener earth and universal reliance on renewable presents a unique dilemma for countries in Sub Saharan Africa which rely heavily on energy provided by coal, shale, and other fossil fuels but also their economic livelihoods depend on the black gold.
The elimination of coal and related energy sources would severely prejudice economies that constitute SSA which are still developing or emerging.
It is against this background that the outgoing Chief Executive of the largest coal miner on the JSE, who is also the President of the Minerals Council is on record for saying that African countries should be allowed to make the transition from fossil fuels to greener renewable energies at their own pace.…