Development of solar and bioenergy technology in Africa for green development—Addressing barriers and untapped potential

Abstract

Globally, over quarter of population experiences energy crisis, particularly those living in rural communities of developing countries. Many of such victims are the people within the Africa continent. More than 600 million people lives in Africa without access to electricity. Energy use is a requirement for physical and socio-economic development of every country. Bioenergy and solar energy has currently seen an increase in its development in many countries in Africa. However, their major concern is its technological development and finance as well as impact on the environment. The study evaluates the solar and bioenergy potential utilization and future prospects in Africa. It also discusses some of the principal challenges negatively influencing its development. Conclusions are drawn on the need for effective international cooperation on inputs from financial, resources and technological advance mechanisms for solar and bio energies development in Africa. For example Development of new businesses should be linked with solar PV and bioenergy infrastructure to promote effective rural electrification. This study provides beneficial information, which will serve as a reference to help improve bioenergy and solar power development.

Keywords

• Bioenergy
• Solar power
• Electricity
• Renewable energy
• Energy generation