Between 2014 and 2019, Africa has recorded increased electricity production every year. And, according to a global electricity review by Ember, an energy think tank, renewables met a third of Africa’s growth in electricity production, with gas making up the remaining two thirds.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the world’s demand for electricity, which had been rising since the financial crisis, took a hit. But, despite the fall, wind and solar power demonstrated remarkable resilience to record a growth of 15%. According to the review, the growth contributed to renewable energies being responsible for 9.4% of the global electricity generated in 2020. Coal remained the single largest power source responsible for 33.8%.
Across the world, individual countries mirrored the global growth as Germany topped the wind and solar power generation chart for renewable energies being responsible for 34% of the total electricity the country generated in 2020. It was followed by the UK at 29%. Other notable countries included India (9%), China (9.5%), Japan (10%), Brazil (11%), the US (12%) and Turkey (12%). In Africa, South Africa generated 6% of its total electricity from wind and solar, which more than tripled from 2015.
Even with countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Kenya accelerating the uptake of renewable energies over the years, many of Africa’s other leading economies are yet to harness the potential of wind and solar power, which is currently amongst the cheapest forms of new electricity.
Overall, Africa’s pace towards renewable energy is at its lowest pace in recent years, which calls for increased investment in clean energy to turn the tide against fossil fuels.
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