At the same time, in many African countries, solar power is now supposed to offer more than an environmental advantage. Approximately 600 million Africans lack reliable access to electricity. In particular, almost half of the 230 million people have no access to the electric grid. Today, solar has become cheap and versatile enough to bring affordable and reliable power to millions. climate.
So Nigeria is betting on solar mini-grids, which means that small installations can be installed anywhere that produce up to 10 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power over 1,700 American homes. Importantly, the country has pioneered mini-grid development through smart policies to attract investment, setting an example from other African countries.
Almost 120 Mini Grid installedIt supplies electricity to approximately 50,000 households, reaching approximately 250,000 people. “Nigeria is actually like a poster child for mini-grid developments across Africa,” says an energy expert Rolake akinkugbe-filaniManaging Director of Energyinc Advisoran energy infrastructure consulting company.
The Nigerian experience shows that expanding mini-grids across the continent will require more work and funding, but fossil fuel-based power can play a key role in separating African communities. But those living there are more interested in another, pressing advantage: improving their livelihoods. The affordable and reliable power from MBIABET’s Mini-Grid is already supercharged local businesses as it is a lot of places where nonprofits like Clean Technology Hub support mini-grid development, says Ifeoma Malo, the founder of the organization. “We’ve seen how it completely changed those communities.”
The African energy transition takes shape
Together, the African countries explain Less than 5% of the world’s carbon footprintand many experts like Maro have problems with the idea that fossil fuels need to be phased out quickly. The task should be more urgent for the US, China, India, European countries and Russia, which will generate large amounts of emissions. Nevertheless, Many African countries have set ambitious, gradual goals. Some are already turning to the rich local renewable energy sources. Geothermal power From the Earth’s crust Almost half of the electricity produced in Kenyaand hydroelectric power generation, it creates Over 80% of electricity Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Uganda.