12/04/2024
In a world where access to energy continues to be a major challenge, Kenya and India are shaping up as leaders in the energy transition. Asha Sumputh, together with experts Cécile Maisonneuve (Founder of Decysive) and John Okoro (Co-Founder and CEO of Growth Energy), explore the innovative initiatives that these countries are spearheading to meet growing demand while adopting sustainable solutions. Between infrastructure challenges and development opportunities, find out how these countries are transforming their energy sector to promote a more sustainable future.
Access to energy: a global challenge
Nearly 9% of the world’s population still lack access to electricity, and 2.3 billion people continue to rely on harmful cooking fuels. Access to reliable and affordable energy is essential for promoting economic and social development. In Africa, countries such as Kenya are leading the way when it comes to driving the energy transition, but the path is still fraught with obstacles, especially in terms of infrastructure and regional policies. Access to energy is not restricted to lighting homes and cooking. It is also about reducing inequality, improving living conditions, promoting public health policies and fostering widespread access to education for the youngest children.
Coal: the need to move forward
Coal continues to be a predominant source of energy in many developing countries, especially Africa and India. Although widely available and affordable, it is responsible for causing serious public health problems and damaging the environment. For example, the level of air pollution in India from burning coal can be compared to London in the 1950s, meaning that the air is hard to breathe in such major cities as Lahore and Karachi.
To successfully achieve the energy transition and reduce the use of coal, it is vitally important to find alternatives that are both economically competitive and sustainable. It is essential to demonstrate how renewable energies can compete with coal in terms of cost, while offering significant benefits for the environment. However, logistical and political obstacles are putting the brakes on this transition, particularly high customs clearance costs for alternative technologies and the lack of adequate transport infrastructures. International partnerships and initiatives aimed at limiting the risks in energy projects play a critical role in this process. Therefore, reducing dependence on coal is not only key to protecting public health and the environment, but also for guaranteeing long-term economic stability and energy security.
Energy challenges and opportunities: the examples in Africa and India
Infrastructure challenges in Africa
John Okoro, an entrepreneur specializing in developing solar projects, shines the spotlight on the challenges specific to Africa. Renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power, depend on reliable electricity transmission networks if they are to be fully effective. However, the lack of transmission infrastructures and differences in regulations between countries are holding back the investments needed to develop sustainable energy solutions. This shows why coherent policies and private investments are so important for overcoming these hurdles and promoting access to energy for all.
Energy transition: the example of Kenya
Kenya, an energy transition trailblazer, illustrates how progress has been achieved in the face of persistent obstacles. The country is promoting various solutions, such as gas and solar cookers, as well as LPG, to reduce the health and environmental impact of traditional cooking methods. Supported by public-private partnerships, these initiatives are paving the way towards a more sustainable and accessible energy future. Consequently, Kenya appears to be one of the most advanced African countries when it comes to renewable energies, with ambitious projects that could serve as a blueprint for other nations across the continent. Today, the main challenge still involves bringing these solutions within reach of the entire population, particularly in rural off-grid communities.
Renewable projects in India
India, with its immense solar potential, is forging ahead with ambitious plans to cover 50% of the country’s electricity needs with renewable energy by 2030. These initiatives are essential for meeting the energy demands of a growing population, while cutting dependence on fossil fuels and taking account of the challenges inherent in sustainable development. With 300 days of sunshine a year, India is ideally placed to become a world leader in solar energy. The country is providing tangible evidence of its determination to scale up its renewable energy production by injecting massive investments into large-scale sustainable projects.
