A collaborative research effort involving the University of Tübingen, the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, the University of Osnabrück, and the University of Rwanda has made a significant discovery. Their study suggests that by 2040, up to 80% of Africa’s energy needs could be met through renewable sources, provided the full potential of existing and planned power plants is realized. This groundbreaking research has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment.
Rebecca Peters, a doctoral scientist from the University of Tübingen and the lead author of the study, emphasizes Africa’s abundant natural resources. “The continent is rich in sun, wind, and water resources, paving the way for it to bypass the fossil fuel era. However, achieving this will require certain actions,” she explains.
Under the guidance of Professor Christiane Zarfl and alongside German and Rwandan partners, Peters gathered and analyzed extensive data on Africa’s renewable energy power plants, forming a comprehensive database and evaluating relevant scientific literature on the topic.
The study highlights that dropping production costs for solar and wind energy are opening doors for a significant rise in renewable energy across Africa. However, the continent faces a growing energy demand, with two-thirds of its population currently lacking electricity access. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, experiences a higher population growth rate than other global regions.
One of the key benefits of solar and wind energy, as noted in the study, is their ability to operate in decentralized and local grids, eliminating the need for expansive and costly overhead power lines. Furthermore, optimizing the operation of existing power plants, reducing energy loss during transmission, and integrating various energy forms can enhance renewable energy production in Africa.
However, the study expresses caution regarding the uncontrolled expansion of hydroelectric power. Professor Dr. Klement Tockner, an aquatic ecologist and co-author of the study, warns of the ecological and social implications of extensively developing dams and lakes, which could alter free-flowing rivers and displace local residents.
To realize the vision of universal access to renewable electricity in Africa, coal-reliant countries like South Africa and gas-dependent nations such as Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya must transition away from fossil fuels. According to Dr. Jürgen Berlekamp from the University of Osnabrück, this structural change requires doubling current investments by 2030 and an additional annual investment of 30 billion dollars. Foreign investment, including increasing involvement from China alongside the U.S. and European countries, will play a crucial role in this transition.
