Energy shortage is a common problem faced by African countries. In recent years, many African countries have attached great importance to
the transformation of their energy structure, launched development plans, promoted project construction, and accelerated the development
of renewable energy.
As an African country that developed solar energy earlier, Kenya has launched a national renewable energy plan. According to Kenya’s 2030
Vision, the country strives to achieve 100% clean energy power generation by 2030. Among them, the installed capacity of geothermal power
generation will reach 1,600 megawatts, accounting for 60% of the country’s power generation. The 50-megawatt photovoltaic power station
in Garissa, Kenya, built by a Chinese company, was officially put into operation in 2019. It is the largest photovoltaic power station in East Africa
so far. According to calculations, the power station uses solar energy to generate electricity, which can help Kenya save about 24,470 tons of
standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 64,000 tons every year. The power station’s average annual power generation
exceeds 76 million kilowatt-hours, which can meet the electricity needs of 70,000 households and 380,000 people. It not only relieves local
residents from the troubles of frequent power outages, but also promotes the development of local industry and commerce and creates a
large number of job opportunities. .
Tunisia has identified the development of renewable energy as a national strategy and strives to increase the proportion of renewable energy
power generation in total power generation from less than 3% in 2022 to 24% by 2025. The Tunisian government plans to build 8 solar
photovoltaic power stations and 8 wind power stations between 2023 and 2025, with a total installed capacity of 800 MW and 600 MW
respectively. Recently, the Kairouan 100 MW photovoltaic power station constructed by a Chinese enterprise held a groundbreaking ceremony.
It is the largest photovoltaic power station project currently under construction in Tunisia. The project can operate for 25 years and generate 5.5
billion kilowatt hours of electricity.
Morocco is also vigorously developing renewable energy and plans to increase the proportion of renewable energy in the energy structure to
52% by 2030 and close to 80% by 2050. Morocco is rich in solar and wind energy resources. It plans to invest US$1 billion per year in the
development of solar and wind energy, and the annual newly installed capacity will reach 1 gigawatt. Data shows that from 2012 to 2020,
Morocco’s wind and solar installed capacity increased from 0.3 GW to 2.1 GW. Noor Solar Power Park is Morocco’s flagship project for the
development of renewable energy. The park covers an area of more than 2,000 hectares and has a power generation capacity of 582 MW.
Among them, the Noor II and III solar thermal power stations built by Chinese companies have provided clean energy to more than 1 million
Moroccan households, completely changing Morocco’s long-term dependence on imported electricity.
To meet growing electricity demand, Egypt encourages the development of renewable energy. According to Egypt’s “2030 Vision”, Egypt’s
“2035 Comprehensive Energy Strategy” and the “National Climate Strategy 2050” plan, Egypt will strive to achieve the goal of renewable
energy power generation accounting for 42% of total power generation by 2035. The Egyptian government stated that it will make full use
of solar, wind and other resources to promote the implementation of more renewable energy power generation projects. In the southern
province of Aswan, Egypt’s Aswan Benban Solar Farm Networking Project, built by a Chinese enterprise, is one of the most important renewable
energy power generation projects in Egypt and is also a hub for power transmission from local solar photovoltaic farms.
Africa has abundant renewable energy resources and huge development potential. The International Renewable Energy Agency predicts that
by 2030, Africa can meet nearly a quarter of its energy needs through the use of clean renewable energy. The United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa also believes that renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower can be used to partially
meet the African continent’s rapidly growing electricity demand. According to the “Electricity Market Report 2023″ released by the International
Energy Agency, Africa’s renewable energy power generation will increase by more than 60 billion kilowatt hours from 2023 to 2025, and its
proportion of total power generation will increase from 24% in 2021 to 2025. 30%.