Are African countries positioned for a transition to renewable electricity?

Taking the number of existing and proposed RE power plants as an indicator of how African countries are concurrently positioned for a transition towards renewable electricity (Fig. 3), some countries have enough RE projects in the pipeline to perform a transition, whereas others are locked in fossil fuel dependency (Fig. 4).

What percentage of Africa's electricity comes from renewables?

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) states that 23.1% of the total electricity capacity installed in 2021 in Africa came from renewables, which is 15.2% less than the worldwide renewable electricity capacity 4.

Which African countries have the highest electricity access deficits?

Central African Republic, South Sudan and Chad are the African countries with the highest proportional electricity access deficits; 95%, 93% and 94%, respectively, of the national population remains unserved in 2020.

Can a country build a power system based entirely on renewables?

Population, electricity access and number of existing and proposed renewable power plants determine the potential of a country or jurisdiction to build electricity systems based entirely on renewables, whereas applying an African or world average access rate greatly diminishes the number of capable candidates for such a transition.

How much electricity would Africa generate if all proposed plants were implemented?

If all proposed plants were implemented, Africa would generate 1,225 TWh from renewable resources (hydropower, solar power and wind power) 38 (Fig. 3). The International Energy Agency projects for 2040 a continental electricity demand of 1,614 TWh (the Stated Policies Scenario) to 2,321 TWh (Africa case) 89.

How many Africans lack electricity access?

Half of the African population currently lacks the minimum levels of electricity access defined by the International Energy Agency.