“Giant turbines churning in the wind are a rare sight in Africa — but that will not be the case for long,” that’s the opinion shared by the Global Wind Energy Council in a new white paper that also highlights Africa as a ‘market to watch’ for the wind energy industry.

As the population of Africa is predicted to increase by 1.4% each year until 2030[1], there is increasing demand for the energy markets to keep up with this growth and to accelerate universal electrification across the continent. Currently, it is predicted that an estimated 600 million people – 2 out of 3 people in Sub-Saharan African – do not have access to electricity[2], which impacts economic development. This statistic can only worsen as the population grows, unless action is taken.

African countries are committed to achieving their Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including SDG 7 which looks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.  Therefore, African governments recognize that the increase in electricity capacity can only be met by clean energy sources through sustainable solutions, pointing to a clear opportunity to explore renewable energy solutions – with wind energy being the most cost-competitive of those.

Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, through its subsidiary company Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) is determined to play its part in ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for communities across the globe.  By delivering both wind and solar PV projects around the world, it is proud to be at the leading edge of renewable energy knowledge and expertise, enabling a new generation to benefit from a revitalized energy mix.

We look forward to observing the advancement of Africa’s renewable energy sector, and to seeing the role that wind energy will play in its development!

[1] https://gwec.net/winds-of-change-are-blowing-in-africa/

[2] https://www.seforall.org/interventions/electricity-for-all-in-africa