Africa is is home to 17 per cent of the world’s population but accounts for only 4 per cent of global power supply investment,” International Energy Agency (IEA) report titled Africa Energy Outlook 2022. According to the report, 600 million people or 42 per cent of the total population lack access to any form of electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan region.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) posts total installed electricity capacity on the continent at 245 GW, at least by 2022 – with fossil fuels (coal, gas and oils) contributing 78 per cent while renewable energy sources contributing 22 per cent.
To address this crisis, especially in the face of a fast-growing population– projected at an additional 800 million people– and growth of urbanization – expected to double from 469 million to 979 million by 2040, Africa needs to triple its electricity generation over the same period.
The need for better and more abundant energy is evident in many walks of life, from households relying on dirty fuels for cooking and farmers lacking energy to store their crops, and from health clinics struggling to power operating rooms to businesses contending with high power bills and frequent outages. The challenge of climate change – itself a consequence of burning of fossil fuels and deforestation to supply wood fuels – spells doom for Africa.
This makes a strong case for the adoption of nuclear energy, not just for its base load power but because its clean, safe, efficient and a more bountiful alternative to fossil fuels
To power Africa’s industrialization, safeguard human well-being and the environment, WePlanet Africa will advocate for the adoption of nuclear energy, which scientists have touted as critical in the transition from fossil fuels to a more sustainable energy system.
