RUS | ENG | All
Enter the email or login, that you used for registration.
If you do not remember your password, simply leave this field blank and you will receive a new, along with a link to activate.

Not registered yet?
Welcome!

2021-04-08 11:45:00

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AFRICA

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AFRICA

UN - 6 April 2021 - Support for climate adaptation in Africa is crucial, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday in appealing for greater action to provide renewable energy to hundreds of millions who still lack access to reliable and affordable electricity.

“As the continent that has contributed least to the climate crisis, Africa deserves the strongest possible support and solidarity”, he told an online dialogue for leaders convened by the African Development Bank.

Mr. Guterres warned that “adaptation must not be the neglected half of the climate equation”.

Old models failing

Although Africa has abundant and untapped renewable resources, it has received just two per cent of global investment in renewable energy over the past decade, he reported.

Old models of development and energy use have failed to provide Africans with universal energy access, he said, meaning hundreds of millions of people still lack reliable and affordable electricity or are cooking with polluting and harmful fuels.

“We can provide universal access to energy in Africa primarily through renewable energy. I call for a comprehensive package of support to meet this objective ahead of COP26,” Mr. Guterres said, referring to the UN climate change conference in November.

“It is achievable. It is necessary. It is overdue. And it is smart: climate action is a $3 trillion investment opportunity in Africa by 2030," he added.

‘Major finance gap’

However, the Secretary-General pointed to “the major finance” gap blocking progress towards this goal. He urged developed countries to deliver on their $100 billion climate commitment made over a decade ago.

“Developed countries and main financers must ensure a swift shift of the billions to support African green investments, to increase resilience and to create the conditions for scaled-up private finance”, he said.

“And the private sector must step up and get organized to provide immediate, concrete solutions to governments. Local authorities can work with unions and community leaders on reskilling and social security nets.”

Commitment and fiscal autonomy

While African Governments also can lead the way by committing to ambitious adaptation and mitigation plans, they first need to regain their fiscal autonomy, he said.

The Secretary-General stressed the need to extend the debt moratorium for developing countries, made last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and even cancelling debts where appropriate.

Furthermore, Special Drawing Rights, a type of supplementary foreign reserve maintained by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), must also be made available to support Africa’s recovery.

-----


Earlier:

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AFRICA
2021, April, 6, 14:20:00
RUSSIAN NUCLEAR FOR AFRICA
Rosatom offers integrated clean energy solutions across the nuclear supply chain and beyond.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AFRICA
2021, March, 23, 15:00:00
RENEWABLES FOR SOUTH AFRICA 2 GW
These parties have made proposals involving solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power, as well as liquefied natural gas and battery storage.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AFRICA
2021, February, 16, 11:50:00
SOUTH AFRICA'S RENEWABLES 2.6 GW
In addition, South African authorities intend to ease licensing requirements for new embedded generation projects, which could unlock up to 5,000 MW of additional capacity.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AFRICA
2021, February, 15, 13:25:00
AFRICA'S NUCLEAR DECISION
The decision to adopt nuclear power in South Africa was made as a result of sound strategic planning. It has turned out to have been a very good decision.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AFRICA
2021, January, 27, 13:35:00
SOUTH AFRICA'S RENEWABLES 6.8 GW
South Africa intends to launch three tenders for 6.8 GW of renewable energy sources and 5 GW of new coal, gas, and storage projects in 2021-2022.
All Publications »
Tags: RENEWABLE, AFRICA, CLIMATE, INVESTMENT