Africa stands at a pivotal juncture in its energy trajectory, grappling with the dual imperatives of addressing pervasive energy poverty and aligning with the global green transition. The recent Regional to Global International Conference in Port Louis, Mauritius, underscored the urgency of this discourse, highlighting both the continent’s vast renewable energy potential and the multifaceted challenges it faces in actualising a sustainable energy future.

A staggering statistic from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa remain without access to electricity. This energy deficit hampers essential services, including education and healthcare, and stifles economic growth. Renewable energy emerges as a beacon of hope, with projections suggesting that by 2030, sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal could constitute more than 50% of Africa’s total energy generation.

Kenya exemplifies proactive engagement in this green transition. The draft National Energy Policy 2025-2034, recently unveiled by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, aims to supplant the 2018 policy framework. This forward-looking document articulates a vision for delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to all Kenyans. Central to this policy is the amplification of renewable energy sources, a strategic move to mitigate the nation’s carbon footprint and enhance energy security.

Solar energy stands out as a transformative force, especially in off-grid rural locales. Nations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have witnessed a surge in solar lanterns and home systems, propelled by innovative pay-as-you-go models that democratise energy access. Geothermal energy further bolsters Kenya’s renewable portfolio. Nestled within the geologically endowed East African Rift Valley, Kenya boasts an installed geothermal capacity exceeding 800 megawatts (MW), positioning it as Africa’s frontrunner in this domain. Projections indicate that by 2030, geothermal energy could cater to up to 10% of Africa’s electricity demand.

Hydropower also presents a substantial opportunity, with Africa’s riverine networks, including the Nile, Congo, and Zambezi, offering an estimated potential surpassing 1,000 gigawatts (GW). Countries such as Ethiopia, Zambia, and Mozambique already harness hydropower for over 80% of their electricity needs. Kenya’s energy policy underscores the imperative of tapping into this potential, advocating for the development of both large-scale and mini-hydropower projects to serve diverse communities.

Beyond harnessing renewable sources, Africa’s rich mineral reserves, essential for green technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries, position the continent as a linchpin in the global energy transition. Kenya’s policy emphasises the judicious exploitation of these resources, ensuring that extraction processes are environmentally sound and economically beneficial to local communities.

However, the path to a green energy future is fraught with challenges. Critics highlight the complexities of integrating intermittent renewable sources into existing power grids, which often suffer from underinvestment and outdated infrastructure. Dmitri Bessarabov, Director of the HySA Infrastructure Competence Centre in South Africa, articulates this concern, noting that while solar and wind power are gaining traction, their integration into current systems necessitates significant technological and infrastructural advancements.

Financial constraints further exacerbate these challenges. The capital-intensive nature of renewable energy projects demands substantial investment, which many African nations find daunting. Kenya’s draft energy policy addresses this by proposing incentives to attract private sector participation and fostering public-private partnerships. Additionally, the policy advocates for capacity building, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce adept in renewable energy technologies.

The policy also underscores the importance of regional collaboration. By pooling resources and harmonising regulatory frameworks, East African nations can create a conducive environment for cross-border energy projects, facilitating economies of scale and shared technological expertise. Such cooperation is pivotal in realising the collective vision of a sustainable energy future for the region.

In conclusion, while Africa’s journey towards a green energy future is laden with challenges, it is equally replete with opportunities. Kenya’s draft National Energy Policy 2025-2034 exemplifies a strategic roadmap, aligning national objectives with continental aspirations. By leveraging its abundant renewable resources, fostering regional collaboration, and creating an enabling environment for investment and innovation, Kenya is poised to play a pivotal role in Africa’s energy renaissance. The global community’s support, through technological transfer and financial assistance, will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa not only catches up with the green transition but emerges as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.