The population of Africa is growing at a rapid pace with some estimates projecting 2.4 billion by 2050. Even the more conservative estimates indicate a massive growth by the end of the century.
Clearly the people of Africa will need a much larger infrastructure in terms of cities, roads and energy capacity. Can renewable energy sources really cope with theis rapidly changing demographic or must Africa consume more fossil fuels and nuclear generated energy?
Dear Mr Turner,
To face such challenge, a strategy could be to build scenarios and then discuss with them on their pros, cons, etc.
I suppose that a starting point may be to use your assumption -population growth- as basis. Under such rationale, we could assume that when population grows so intensely, there is an analogue GDP growth (a debate herein is on the conditions for that economic growth and its consequences: inequality, for instance). Then, if we assume GDP growth as a simplified driver, the energy capacity installation should be appear as well. The way the current capacity is retired is relevant but it is even more crucial the growth in the demand associated with the economic growth. Such expansion is the opportunity to renewable energies in African countries for the long-term. So, assuming the preceding rationale, the discussion is then focused more on energy planning issues: fixing goals for specific emissions reduction as well as self-supply targets in power, and concrete percentages of renewable technologies in future years. Moreover, a techno-economic assessment subject to sustainability goals (via indicators, for instance) is then necessary to discuss among different renewable technologies to be installed (which will be the most suitable options for a specific country in terms of minimum costs, minimum environmental impacts, and attending to the specificty of the country (land use, resource potentials, social needs, acceptance, cultural issues, etc.)?
As you pointed out, population growth will bring many opportunities to sustainable (and decentralised) energy options across African countries.
Regards
Maybe an ecosystem similar to Mauritius would be more appropriate than the occidental model:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_common_points_between_societies_that_are_successful_economically_socially_and_ecologically?_ec=topicPostOverviewFollowedQuestions&_sg=sNjZ_spJEF6PgdkJ7QDPFLAL-d_H7L7Ul3CITbznAvOsjTCD81kb4hOfRkVu0YD2pJjtnmbo_ijuDwp1.RvaVnjpZRwVL4uACqdjGX5AqTyYHCNfn_lIjbRze1H4bPSA0C4mcWGRMwcs0aJCVQ2hdlz2kEJUu3ejsJrduvYs
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Physical Sciences
- Energy
- Energy-Generating Resources
- Renewable Energy