…As African Group says despite 60 percent world’s best solar resources, only one percent global solar PV capacity installed in Africa
From Aidoghie Paulinus, New York
Nigeria and other African countries under the auspices of the African Group, have told the United Nations of the need to expedite action on energy generation, saying that 600 million people lack access to electricity on the continent of Africa.
The Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations, Ambassador Francisco Jose Da Cruz, stated this during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Sustainability Week in New York, United States.
Speaking during the event tagged: ‘Global Stocktaking Marking the Completion of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All to Further Accelerate the Implementation of SDG 7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2014-2024),’ the African Group emphasized the significance of global stocktaking to expedite the realization of SDG 7.
The African Group also said the event was also a time to reflect on world infrastructure progress, which is vital for sustainable development and economic resilience in Africa.
According to the African Group, “We stand at a pivotal juncture, grappling with the dual challenges of energy poverty and environmental sustainability.
“In today’s interconnected world, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 strategically prioritizes enhancing infrastructure connectivity, which is vital to fortifying global resilience and promoting sustainable development across the continent. This comprehensive approach aims to improve interconnectivity between regions and sectors, aligning with our broader development goals. With over 600 million people lacking access to electricity and a projected 2.5 billion population by 2050, the continent continues to face tremendous challenges in achieving universal energy access though significant opportunities lie within.”
The African Group further said the inadequacy of infrastructure networks costs Africa about two percent of its GDP annually.
“As we stand among eleven of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies in 2024, it is vital to focus on infrastructure development, leveraging this projected economic acceleration.
“There is a significant contrast in the energy scenario on the continent. Despite the possessing 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources, only one percent of the global solar PV capacity is installed in Africa. This highlights a significant opportunity for transformative growth through sustainable energy solutions, as there is an unmet need for it,” the African Group also said.
The African Group further said the investment landscape in the region showed that achieving universal access to modern energy by 2030 will require substantial increases in funding.
“To meet our energy and developmental goals adequately, annual investments need to double to over USD 200 billion. It is concerning that almost 970 million people in our community are still using traditional and harmful cooking methods. We need to transition to clean cooking technologies, as this is essential for improving health, promoting gender equality and reducing household air pollution. Additionally, Africa has the potential to take a leading role in energy efficiency. By implementing strict building codes and enhancing energy performance standards, we can significantly reduce our electricity demand, making energy more affordable for everyone. Leveraging digital technologies and decentralized energy solutions can extend energy access to remote and underserved communities, thereby fostering inclusive growth and resilience,” the African Group further said.
In his remarks, the President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dennis Francis, said the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All was launched in 2014 with ambitious, yet achievable objectives to usher in a future where everyone, everywhere, benefits equally from the innovations and potential of sustainable energy.
Francis also said the General Assembly Declared the Decade, fully understanding that sustainable energy is a precursor to nearly every one of the United Nations’ development aims and the SDGs from eradicating poverty and building sustainable cities and communities, to responsible consumption and production.
“But as the Decade draws to a close, we must acknowledge that the results of our efforts have been mixed; creating both profound achievements and discernible shortcomings.
“On the positive side, since 2014, the principle of sustainable energy for all has become ensconced within the Sustainable Development Goals; elevated to the top of the climate agenda via the Paris Agreement; and adopted as a priority by political and business leaders alike.
“The result — a world that has wholly embraced the need for, and potential of sustainable energy.
“And the number speaks for themselves:
“The share of renewables-based energy capacity in developing countries has grown in the last decade, reaching 38 percent in 2021.
“Developing countries experience on average 9.6 percent annual growth in renewable energy installation.
“The global population with access to electricity has increased from 87 per cent to 91 percent since 2015.
“And, in 2021, 71 percent of the global population had access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, up from 64 percent in 2015,” Francis said.
Also speaking, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, Damulola Ogunbiyi, said in the past decade, the global community has made significant strides towards achieving SDG 7.
“Millions of people have gained access to electricity for the first time, thanks to concerted efforts from governments, organizations, and communities worldwide.
“Renewable energy sources have seen unprecedented growth, accounting for a substantial portion of the global energy mix,” Ogunbiyi stated.