Setting the Standard: Success Stories of Energy Projects from Around Africa

Johnstone Chikwanda PhD, Lusaka, Friday, 26 July 2024 — The story of Africa’s energy sector is a speckled one. While major cities and economic centres have enjoyed access to electricity for decades, vast swathes of the continent remain unserved with power. According to Africa development bank, as of 2022, over 640 million Africans had no access to energy, corresponding to an electricity access rate of just over 40 percent, the lowest in the world. Per capita consumption of energy in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) was 180 kWh, compared to 13,000 kWh per capita in the United States and 6,500 kWh in Europe. Africa continues to face significant challenges in meeting its energy needs. However, recent years have sprouted remarkable tales of success that offer hope and valuable lessons.

In this article, I recount some of the success stories from around Africa, where technological development has intertwined with fortuitous financing, resulting in groundbreaking projects that have transformed the lives of hundreds of millions of people. These initiatives showcase a wide array of technologies and approaches, demonstrating that no single solution fits all scenarios. From wind and hydropower to geothermal and even cleaner fossil fuel implementations, these success stories offer valuable insights into effective energy project execution.

Kenya’s Success Story: M-KOPA, Lake Turkana and the Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant

M-KOPA: Our look at stories of African success in the energy sector starts in Kenya, where M-KOPA Solar has revolutionised access to electricity for over one million households. This pay-as-you-go solar home system exemplifies how tailoring financial models to local economic realities can drive widespread adoption of clean energy solutions. M-KOPA's success lies not just in its technology, but in its understanding of the market it serves. The company recognised that many potential customers had the means to pay for electricity in small, regular instalments but lacked the upfront capital for traditional solar installations. M-KOPA offers distributed solar energy, typically 8-20W systems per household, generating between at least 8MW and 20MW.

?The impact of M-KOPA extends beyond providing light. It has created a pathway for economic empowerment, allowing families to save money on energy costs and enabling children to study after dark. Moreover, the project has contributed to job creation and skills development in local communities.

Lake Turkana Wind Power Project: Kenya's Lake Turkana exemplifies the potential of wind energy in Africa. With a capacity of 310 MW, it's the continent's largest wind farm, supplying 17% of Kenya's electricity needs. The project's success stems from thorough planning and stakeholder engagement. Extensive wind studies identified the optimal location, while close collaboration with local communities ensured their support and participation. This approach maximised efficiency and fostered a sense of ownership among the local population, contributing to long-term sustainability.

Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant: Geothermal energy has found fertile ground in East Africa's Rift Valley. The Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant in Kenya, with a capacity of 280 MW, is one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world. The project's success lies in its collaboration between the Kenyan government, international partners, and local communities. It has not only increased the country's renewable energy capacity but also provided stable baseload power, crucial for industrial development.

South Africa’s Energy Leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa – Energy Decentralisation and More

South Africa presents a unique case study in energy diversity. The country has seen a significant push towards household self-generation, with approximately 600 MW of capacity added through distributed systems. This trend reflects a growing interest in energy independence and highlights the potential of decentralised power generation in addressing energy shortages.

Medupi Power Station: Contrasting with this decentralised approach, South Africa is also home to some of the continent's largest centralised power plants. The Medupi Power Station, a coal-fired facility with a capacity of 6,000 MW, ranks among the world's largest thermal power plants. While controversial due to its reliance on coal, Medupi represents South Africa's efforts to address its severe energy shortages through large-scale projects.

Kusile Power Station: While renewable energy dominates many discussions, cleaner fossil fuel implementations still play a role in some developing countries' energy strategies. The Kusile Power Station in South Africa, though controversial, represents an attempt to balance increased energy production with environmental concerns. This coal-fired power plant, with a planned capacity of 4,800 MW when fully operational, incorporates advanced emissions control technologies, including flue gas desulfurisation, to minimise its environmental impact. While not a long-term solution, it exemplifies how countries with significant coal resources are trying to bridge the gap between immediate energy needs and long-term sustainability goals.

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Nachtigal Hydropower Project, Cameroon

Shifting focus to hydropower, the Nachtigal Hydropower Project in Cameroon, with its impressive 420 MW capacity, will increase the country's power generation capacity by 30%. This substantial boost to Cameroon's energy infrastructure demonstrates how traditional energy sources can be harnessed sustainably. The project's comprehensive approach to sustainability, addressing environmental, social, and economic factors, has been crucial to its success. Extensive community engagement, programs to mitigate environmental impacts, and efforts to create economic opportunities for residents have helped secure local support and ensure the initiative's long-term viability.

The Addax Bioenergy project in Sierra Leone

Biofuel initiatives are gaining traction in several African countries, offering a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. The Addax Bioenergy project in Sierra Leone is a notable example, producing bioethanol from sugarcane. This integrated agricultural and renewable energy project not only produces clean fuel but also generates 32 MW of electricity for the national grid and supports local farmers. Its success hinges on a careful balance of food security, energy production, and community development.

Taiba N'Diaye Wind Farm in Senegal

Returning to wind power, the Taiba N'Diaye Wind Farm in Senegal, with a capacity of 158.7 MW, is West Africa's largest wind power plant, providing clean energy to 2 million people. The project's strong community engagement approach and alignment with national development goals have been key to its success. Developers worked closely with local communities from the outset, implementing programs to enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in the area. The project also focused on knowledge transfer and capacity building, training local technicians and engineers, thus contributing to the development of Senegal's renewable energy sector.

The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, Morocco

In North Africa, Morocco's Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex demonstrates the potential of concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. With a capacity of 580 MW, it's one of the world's largest CSP plants and has significantly boosted Morocco's renewable energy capacity. The success of Noor Ouarzazate lies in its innovative approach to energy storage, using molten salt to store heat and generate electricity even after sunset. This addresses one of the key challenges of solar power – intermittency – and provides a more reliable energy supply.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) stands out as a monumental project in Africa's energy sector. With a planned capacity of 6,450 MW, it will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa upon completion. This ambitious project on the Blue Nile River not only aims to meet Ethiopia's growing energy demands but also positions the country as a potential power exporter in the region. The GERD exemplifies how large-scale hydroelectric projects can significantly boost a nation's power generation capacity.

Kafue Gorge Lower Power Plant, Zambia

We conclude our foray into African energy success stories with one of our very own. The Kafue Gorge Lower Power Plant adds 750 MW of hydroelectric power to the national grid. This project showcases how nations are harnessing their natural water resources to generate clean, renewable energy. The power plant's successful implementation underscores the importance of strategic infrastructure investments in driving economic growth and improving energy access.

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Key Takeaways from African Success Stories in Energy

The diversity of these projects underscores the importance of tailoring energy solutions to local contexts. Several key themes emerge from these success stories:

1. Innovative financing models: Many successful projects have implemented creative financing solutions to make energy solutions affordable and accessible.
2. Community engagement: Active involvement of local communities in planning and implementation tends to achieve greater success and sustainability.
3. Adaptability: Successful energy solutions are often those that can be tailored to local needs and conditions, rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.
4. Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, private sector entities, international organisations, and local communities has been crucial in realising ambitious energy projects.
5. Capacity building: Investing in local skills and knowledge transfer ensures the long-term sustainability of energy projects and contributes to broader economic development.
6. Supportive policy frameworks: Clear and stable regulatory environments are essential for attracting investment and enabling the scaling up of successful energy solutions.
7. Holistic approach: The most impactful projects often address not just energy needs but also related issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

These diverse energy projects offer hope and guidance as Zambia grapples with the challenges of climate change, El Ni?o-induced drought and sustainable development. They demonstrate that with innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to local empowerment, it is possible to implement transformative energy initiatives that improve lives and drive economic growth. The lessons learned from these projects can inform future efforts, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future for all. As Zambia continues to expand its energy infrastructure, these success stories provide valuable blueprints for balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability.

johnstone C.