A comprehensive set of renewables readiness assessments were laid out for Mozambique, Senegal, Kiribati, and Grenada by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi last week. The assessments address how each country can establish a business model; set policy; hone regulatory structures; identify resources and technology; and finance, build, operate, and maintain renewable energy projects.
African landscape with big wind turbine via Shutterstock
Senegal
This West African nation has good wind potential along the coast, with solar potential throughout the country. The government is developing renewable energy tariffs and power purchase agreements, as well as a rural electrification agency that has secured private and international funding to provide renewable energy in rural areas.
Mozambique
In southeastern Africa, Mozambique has already installed two gigawatts of hydropower, with the capability of installing an additional 12 gigawatts and more.
To complement the hydropower, Mozambique is currently conducting an evaluation of coastal wind potential. Mozambique has a rural energy fund that is similar to Senegal’s rural electrification, with governmental support and donor investment. The University of Mozambique is trying to prepare the next generation of cleantech supporters with graduate-level courses in renewable energy.
Mozambique and Senegal aren’t the only African countries looking to expand their cleantech sectors. IRENA has put out a report that Africa has the potential and ability to fuel itself completely with renewables.
Kiribati
This island nation in the central tropical Pacific Ocean has set targets for fuel import reduction and now needs to move forward on large-scale solar applications. Kiribati isn’t totally in the dark on solar — small, off-grid photovoltaic systems have been in use since the 1970s.
Sadly, Kiribati is already feeling the effects of global warming’s rising ocean waters, which is forcing residents to move to Fiji.
Grenada
Grenada has a lot to be proud of. From 2012 Olympic gold medalist Kirani James, to its top ten ranking in the countries with the lowest environmental impact, Grenada is no slouch. These days, the Caribbean country is working on policy to encourage widespread use of solar water heaters and finalizing geothermal energy agreements.
Source: IRENA
For more content from Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week or specific conferences underneath that umbrella, check out our archive pages for Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the World Future Energy Summit, and/or the International Renewable Energy Conference.
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