Tinaye Agere
Lincoln Towindo in Nairobi, Kenya
Southern African countries affected by last year’s drought must accelerate the development of clean and sustainable energy sources to mitigate the impact of climate shocks on power generation.
The reliance on hydroelectric power has made countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia, which draw electricity primarily from the Zambezi River, particularly vulnerable to energy disruptions.
The El Niño-induced drought reduced water inflows, causing significant declines in power production.
Speaking at a press conference during the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) director-general Mr Francesco La Camera said there was need for diversification of energy sources to build resilience against climate shocks.
“Climate change will continue to impact hydropower resources for the for years to come, even if CO2 emissions are curbed,” he said.
“But if you were able to contain the CO2 emissions, this will change in the future. But in the short term this will continue, inevitably.
“Because of the dynamism of climate, you do not see immediately the result of your work.”
Mr La Camera underscored the importance of expanding renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal, alongside sustainable biofuels use and energy storage systems.
“Integrating a variety of energy sources is essential to mitigate the risks posed by droughts,” added Mr La Camera. “Flexibility in the energy grid allows countries to shift between sources when one becomes compromised.
“This approach ensures resilience, unlike centralised systems, and prepares nations for future climate-related challenges.”
APRA, established at the 2023 African Climate Summit, aims to fast-track renewable energy deployment across the continent to promote energy access, green industrialisation and economic resilience.
Member countries include Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Ghana, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe.
IRENA serves as the initiative’s secretariat.
The partnership is supported by international stakeholders such as Denmark, Germany, the UAE and the United States.
APRA has set a goal to increase Africa’s renewable energy capacity to 300 GW by 2030.
The ongoing investment forum provides a platform for showcasing energy projects and attracting investments aligned with sustainable development and climate action goals.
Online Reporter