Powering Somaliland's Future: The Role of the Energy Sector in Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7

Introduction

Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. It is widely acknowledged that energy is central to nearly every major challenge the world faces today, including poverty, climate change, food security, health, education, and economic development. The availability and accessibility of clean, affordable energy directly affect economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. In the context of Somaliland, the energy sector is a critical driver for progress toward achieving SDG 7. With abundant solar and wind resources, the region is well-positioned to adopt renewable energy solutions to bridge the energy gap, foster economic development, and contribute to climate resilience.

However, Somaliland’s energy sector remains underdeveloped, facing numerous challenges such as high reliance on fossil fuels, limited access to electricity, and high costs. Addressing these issues through renewable energy initiatives, policy reforms, and regional cooperation will be vital to fulfilling the nation’s energy needs while advancing the global agenda for sustainable development.

Background

Global Context

Globally, energy is indispensable for development. Despite this, as of 2023, nearly 700 million people worldwide remain without access to electricity, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Moreover, 2.4 billion people still rely on polluting and inefficient cooking fuels such as wood, coal, and charcoal. The lack of access to modern energy services poses significant barriers to achieving sustainable development and hampers efforts to mitigate climate change.

The global energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with renewable energy at the forefront of the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. International commitments like the Paris Agreement emphasize the critical role of renewable energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and keeping global warming well below 2°C. Solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower are being scaled up, with many nations adopting ambitious targets to integrate clean energy sources into their grids.

Regional Context: Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa faces significant energy challenges, but it also has substantial renewable energy potential. Countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti are leading the way in harnessing their renewable resources. Ethiopia, for instance, has become a regional leader in hydroelectric power, while Kenya has made significant strides in geothermal and wind energy development.

However, energy access in the region remains uneven. Large sections of the population, particularly in rural areas, lack access to electricity, hindering socioeconomic development. The high cost of electricity, inadequate infrastructure, and dependence on fossil fuels continue to impede efforts to deliver affordable and reliable energy to all. Nonetheless, regional cooperation and the growing focus on renewable energy offer opportunities to transform the energy landscape in the Horn of Africa, including Somaliland.

Local Context: Energy Sector in Somaliland

Somaliland faces a distinct set of energy challenges rooted in its geography, political status, and economic context. Energy access is a major issue, with only about 30% of the population connected to electricity, and access in rural areas is even lower. The energy mix in Somaliland is dominated by diesel-powered generators, which are costly, inefficient, and environmentally unsustainable. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels, combined with limited infrastructure and high energy costs, has stifled economic development and increased the vulnerability of the population to energy price volatility.

However, Somaliland has abundant renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind. Its location in the Horn of Africa provides it with some of the highest solar irradiance levels in the world, making solar energy a viable solution for meeting the region’s energy needs. Additionally, wind speeds along Somaliland’s coastline are favorable for wind energy generation. Despite these opportunities, the development of renewable energy has been slow due to a lack of financing, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and limited technical capacity.

In recent years, the government of Somaliland, in collaboration with international development partners and the private sector, has begun exploring ways to improve energy access through renewable energy projects. Efforts have been made to attract investments, develop pilot projects in solar and wind energy, and implement regulatory reforms to facilitate private sector participation in the energy market. These initiatives represent important steps toward achieving SDG 7 in Somaliland, but much more needs to be done to fully unlock the country’s renewable energy potential.

Literature Review

A growing body of literature highlights the importance of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development. The United Nations and international organizations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) emphasize that access to affordable and reliable energy is critical to reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and fostering economic development. Renewable energy offers multiple benefits, including job creation, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced energy security.

In Africa, countries that have embraced renewable energy have seen marked improvements in energy access and economic performance. Kenya, for instance, has become a renewable energy hub in the region, with over 70% of its electricity coming from renewable sources, including geothermal and wind energy. A study by the World Bank (2020) found that investments in renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa could generate over 1.2 million new jobs by 2030, highlighting the significant economic potential of the sector.

Somaliland’s renewable energy potential has been explored in various studies, particularly about solar and wind energy. A report by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (2021) noted that Somaliland’s solar energy potential is vast, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Wind energy studies have also indicated promising results, particularly along the coastal regions where wind speeds average between 6 to 8 m/s, which is ideal for wind power generation. Despite these opportunities, Somaliland’s energy sector remains largely underdeveloped, with limited institutional capacity and financial resources to implement large-scale renewable energy projects.

Studies also highlight the critical role of policy and regulatory frameworks in attracting investment and fostering the growth of the renewable energy sector. The lack of clear energy policies and regulations in Somaliland has been a major barrier to the sector's development. However, recent efforts to draft energy policies and establish regulatory bodies, such as the Somaliland Energy Commission, represent important steps toward creating a conducive environment for renewable energy development.

Recommendations

To meet the ambitious targets of SDG 7 and ensure sustainable energy access for all, Somaliland’s energy sector must undergo significant reforms and embrace renewable energy solutions. The following recommendations highlight key areas for action:

1.???? Strengthen Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Somaliland’s energy policies need to be aligned with global best practices to create an enabling environment for renewable energy investments. The government should establish clear renewable energy targets, develop incentives such as tax breaks for clean energy projects, and streamline regulatory approvals to attract private sector participation in the energy sector.

2.???? Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The government should foster collaboration between public institutions, private sector players, and international organizations to finance and implement renewable energy projects. PPPs can help mobilize the necessary resources and expertise to scale up solar and wind projects in both urban and rural areas.

3.???? Invest in Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Somaliland’s solar and wind potential remains largely untapped due to insufficient infrastructure. Investments in grid expansion, mini-grids, and off-grid solutions are necessary to improve energy access. Solar home systems and small-scale wind projects, especially in rural areas, can provide affordable and reliable energy to households and businesses.

4.???? Expand Capacity Building and Local Expertise: Developing local capacity is crucial for the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. Training programs for engineers, technicians, and policymakers in renewable energy technologies and project management should be established. Somaliland can collaborate with regional institutions to leverage technical expertise and enhance knowledge exchange in the renewable energy sector.

5.???? Ensure Environmental and Social Safeguards: As Somaliland scales up its energy infrastructure, it must prioritize environmental and social safeguards. The adoption of the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) will ensure that energy projects are sustainable and inclusive. These safeguards are critical for protecting ecosystems and ensuring that the benefits of energy projects are equitably shared with local communities.

6.???? Increase Community Awareness and Engagement: For renewable energy initiatives to succeed, community buy-in is essential. Awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the public on the benefits of clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Engaging communities in the design and implementation of renewable energy projects will ensure that solutions are tailored to local needs and that the transition to clean energy is socially inclusive.

7.???? Leverage International Support and Partnerships: Somaliland can benefit from global initiatives and partnerships that support renewable energy development. Engaging with international financial institutions, donors, and multilateral organizations such as the African Development Bank and IRENA can provide both technical and financial assistance to scale up renewable energy projects in the country.

Conclusion

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 in Somaliland presents both challenges and opportunities. With its current reliance on expensive and polluting fossil fuels, the energy sector must transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources to ensure that all citizens have access to affordable and reliable energy. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, improving policy and regulatory frameworks, building local capacity, and fostering public-private partnerships, Somaliland can unlock its renewable energy potential and significantly contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.

Achieving SDG 7 in Somaliland requires a coordinated effort from the government, private sector, local communities, and international partners. The shift towards renewable energy will improve energy access, stimulate economic growth, improve public health, and reduce the country’s carbon footprint. With the right strategies and investments, Somaliland’s energy sector can play a transformative role in driving sustainable development and ensuring a cleaner, brighter future for all.

Eng Fahima Hassan ( Founder of EnergyTalk Initiative )