Denis Opudo
There is a major revolution in the energy sector across Africa. The energy sector is one of the most important sectors in the African economic development. Furthermore, there is much potential in the African energy sector. The solar energy, hydropower, geothermal to wind energy resources shows how the continent is rich in energy. Moreover, the continent has the capability of tapping the energy. The continent is in a position to tap both the renewable and conventional energy.
According to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, renewable energy in the continent is capable of growing higher. Therefore, the renewable energy will be the main source of energy in the next decade. The renewable energy can provide more than 40% of all power generation by 2024. This will be after the off-grid power shot to triple the current value.
Johannesburg will be hosting the World Energy Council summit. The summit will take place between 19th and 21st February 2018. It will also bring together the high -ranked Energy Leaders’ Dialogue. Furthermore, it will be part of the 10th Annual Africa Energy Indaba. The meeting will discuss the importance of regional integration and innovation in the African energy sector. Both short and long-term technology advancements are top of the agenda during the summit. Moreover, digitalization and decentralization play a key role in the continent. The role of private sector in supporting policies that improve innovation is also a topic of discussion. Their roles should include financing the African energy system.
The African energy sector is a priority both in the business and political arena. Moreover, there is a high energy transformation globally. This also has an influence on the African energy system. New business ideas, innovation, and decarbonization play a major role in the revolution. New resilence and risk approaches are also driving factors in the energy transformation. For the energy transformation to be fully achieved there should be different approaches. This is driven by innovative policies. The future of African energy lies in the technological changes. Both the distribution and acquiring of energy must be digital.
