Renewable energy has the potential to听meet听close to a quarter听of Africa's demand by 2030, representing听a rise of 17 percent compared to 2013,听according to the International Renewable Energy Agency's Monday report.听
The report听argues that the rich renewable sources of the region can be utilized in meeting 22 percent of the continent's energy demand by 2030 amid falling听renewable energy technology costs.
"Developing these projects is more cost-effective than ever before, with solar and wind projects across Africa now producing record-low electricity prices," the report adds.
About 50 percent of the energy would be supplied through听biomass-based heat applications, the report says and听estimates that "a shift to modern renewable energy cooking solutions would reduce the use of traditional cooking stoves by more than 60 percent, saving $20 billion to $30 billion annually by 2030 through the reduction of health complications from poor indoor air quality."
The report sets out 14 recommendations toward the renewable goal including听enabling policies and a regulatory framework to catalyze investment, adopting investment promotion measures, and off-grid renewable energy solutions to increase energy access and reduce poverty.
鈥淭apping into renewable energy resources is the only way African nations can fuel economic growth, maximize socio-economic development and enhance energy security with limited environmental impact,鈥澨齮he agency's听Director-General Adnan Z. Amin said.听
鈥淭he technologies are available, reliable and increasingly cost-competitive. The onus is now on Africa鈥檚 governments to create conditions to accelerate deployment, paving the way for Africa鈥檚 unfettered, sustainable development,鈥� Amin added.
By Zeynep Beyza Karabay
Anadolu Agency
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