The 27th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP27) to be held in Africa brings a unique opportunity to lay the foundations for the deployment of renewable energy to address the overlapping energy and environmental challenges now facing the continent.
This report demonstrates that with the right planning and investment, renewable energy can reduce energy costs and increase energy access across Africa, enabling economic development, driving progress, and supporting communities.
The first steps for a flexible renewable grid must be taken this decade to successfully unlock these benefits. While African countries have different contexts and priorities, our modelling of power systems in Nigeria, South Africa and Mozambique demonstrates that renewable energy can provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to baseload fossil fuels, while increasing energy access.
However, this challenge cannot be taken alone. Developed economies have a responsibility to support Africa’s energy transition through financial support to unlock the continent’s potential. By providing a window into the future, this report is designed to support Africa’s path towards clean affordable power systems and energy access.
Read the full report here.