Renewable energy zones for the Africa clean energy corridor
A ground-breaking study from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the US-based Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) identifies zones for cost-effective, equitable and environmentally sustainable energy development with wind, solar photovoltaic, and concentrating solar power in the countries of the Eastern and Southern African power pools. Combined electricity demand in the Eastern Africa and Southern African power pools could exceed 1000 terawatt-hours by 2030 – more than double their 2010 power consumption. Renewable energy can help meet this rising demand and drive Africa’s rapid economic growth without adding to global climate risks. Through multi-criteria analysis of resources, demand and infrastructure, the study supports IRENA’s Africa Clean Energy Corridor and other regional initiatives to ensure a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.