The current global energy crisis has shown to the world the need to enhance the scale up of cheaper and cleaner sources of energy.
As more parts of Africa become connected, the demand for energy services is set to grow rapidly and ensuring affordability will remain a priority. As its population grows, the demand for modern renewable energy too will grow and is likely to expand by a third between 2020 and 2030 (Sustainable Africa Scenario (SAS)).
Africa’s economic expansions create a significant energy challenge. Finding a sustainable way to meet the growing energy needs is one of the main challenges for the continent. With a combination of renewable energy sources including hydro, solar, wind and others, Africa has huge potential for development and growth.
It is estimated that Africa is home to almost 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 8% of the world’s natural gas and 12% of the world’s oil reserves. Finding the balance between renewable and non-renewable sources of energy will be hugely significant for their economy and future.
The energy crisis and Covid19 pandemic have impacted many parts of Africa’s energy systems and have, in turn, had a negative impact on the number of people living without electricity. The figure rose by 4% from 2019 to 2021 when Africa was trying to reduce this.
Despite the previous mentioned issues and difficulties, the worldwide clean energy transition does hold some promise for Africa. The Africa Energy Outlook 2022 has reported that twelve African countries (which represent over 40% of the continent’s total CO2 emissions) have committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
At a cost of USD $25 billion per year to achieve, the goal of universal access to modern energy is the same as 1% of global energy investment today and similar to the cost of building one large liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.
Although oil and gas are the main energy providers in Africa, their abundance of renewable resources means Africa has huge potential to produce hydrogen. There are already several low-carbon hydrogen projects that are either currently under way or under discussion in Egypt, Nigeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa and others.
The list of ongoing projects within the continent include:
- Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Project – the first in Africa
- The Cholley Hydroelectric Power Station (located on the Dja River that forms part of the Cameroon and Republic of Congo Border)
- The Mambilla Hydropower Project (a 3.05GW hydroelectric facility being developed on the Dongo River near Baruf, Nigeria)
According to Bruh Ayele Terife, (President at Fortescue Future Industries, Africa), hydrogen is believed to be the smart economic decision that will also empower local communities through jobs and sustainable, long-term business. He has also gone on to point out that an increase in awareness of green hydrogen is an important and critical component in transitioning the world away from fossil fuels. This transition will demonstrate the use of green hydrogen in the African context and its impact on industry and job creation.
How can we help?
With advancements in technology and more projects in operation and in the pipeline, not just in green fuels but traditional power sources like oil and gas, we at Deeter Electronics find ourselves in the position to assist in a number of ways.
Our ever-expanding Hazardous Area product range, which can be manufactured to meet your bespoke requirements, coupled with our wide ranging ATEX/ IECEx certification, allows us to work with our customers in these challenging and changing times. With 77 Zener Barrier variations recently added to our product line, alongside our DCS-IS Intrinsically Safe Capacitive sensors and Ex d certified analogue and digital liquid level sensors, Deeter Electronics remain well placed to continue supporting these projects and this developing market around the globe. Designed by our in-house team of engineers, all of our products are manufactured in the UK, enabling us to support global requirements with industry leading production times.