By Dare Akogun
The Global Renewable Alliance has called for accelerated action to drive the energy transition in Africa, emphasizing the continent’s pivotal role in achieving global renewable energy goals.
Speaking at a press conference at the sidelines of the ongoing Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Global CEO of the Alliance Bruce Douglas highlighted the urgent need for African countries to actively participate in renewable energy initiatives.
He maintained that Africa holds immense potential for renewable energy development and can significantly contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Douglas while speaking on the importance of fulfilling commitments made at COP28 to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, urged world leaders to prioritize investment in renewable energy infrastructure and create supportive policies to facilitate the transition.
He emphasized the necessity of overcoming challenges such as slow permitting processes, insecure supply chains, and inadequate grid infrastructure that hinder renewable energy deployment in Africa.
Bruce also called for concerted efforts to address these barriers and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies across the continent.
He said the Alliance has launched a campaign calling for action to mobilise $10 trillion in public-private investments and establish policy frameworks paving the way to reach 11,000GW of renewables by the end of this decade.
With the launch of the “Time 4 Action” campaign, the Alliance according to him aims to mobilize stakeholders and resources to drive tangible progress in Africa’s energy transition.
“There is no energy transition without action.
“World leaders have committed to the tripling goal and now it’s time to deliver.
“Scaling renewables by three times globally now means taking collective action to steer the world onto a 1.5°C pathway; and deliver affordable energy access, clean air and high quality jobs.
“Action should also be taken to redirect financial resources to renewables, primarily in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), and to achieve a worldwide energy transition that delivers a secure, clean and just future.
“These actions can be amplified and accelerated by working collaboratively with our partners and key decision makers, according to the Global Renewables Alliance.
The German government target of reaching 80% renewable energy by 2030 is a great example of leadership and collaboration in action and should be applauded,” he said.
By fostering collaboration and innovation, the Alliance seeks to empower African nations to transition to clean and sustainable energy sources, thereby contributing to a greener and more resilient future for the continent and the world.
“De-risking renewable investments, especially in emerging economies, is now a crucial step to delivering on the global target.
“The global south is where we must see massive upscaling of renewables deployment in order for the energy transition to be just and equitable; and it needs to happen now,’ he said.
