African experts call for investments in decentralized energy systems to spur green growth
African experts call for investments in decentralized energy systems ... Longview News-Journal
sdgtalks
African Experts Call for Investments in Decentralized Energy Systems to Spur Green Growth
Date: Sept. 10, 2023
Location: Nairobi
Category: Economy
During the Africa Climate Week held in Nairobi, experts emphasized the need for African countries to invest in decentralized energy systems, such as mini-hydropower and solar plants, to ensure off-grid communities have access to low-carbon electricity for lighting and cooking. These investments will not only help electrify marginalized communities but also contribute to a just and green transition, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Olufunso Somorin, the Regional Principal Officer of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlighted the importance of targeted investments in small-scale renewable energy projects. He emphasized that fiscal incentives combined with innovative financing will be key to implementing off-grid power projects in Africa’s remote areas and stimulating their growth.
- The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported that as of 2021, 567 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 80 percent of the global total, lacked access to electricity. To achieve SDG 7 on access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, collaboration, robust funding, and technology transfer are crucial.
- Dan Kithinji Marangu, the Director of Renewable Energy in Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, suggested that African countries should explore regulatory incentives to attract investments in off-grid power projects. This approach can spur trade, connectivity, and industrialization in remote areas.
- Kenya is on track to achieve universal access to clean energy among households by 2030 through increased investments in mini-grid solar and wind projects.
- John Kioli, the Chairman of the Alliance of Civil Society Organizations for Clean Energy Access (ACCESS Coalition), emphasized the importance of policy dialogue, research, innovation, and knowledge sharing in decentralizing energy systems and connecting off-grid communities.
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi. (XHTV)
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services | Number of people with access to electricity |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all | Investment in infrastructure development |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Integration of climate change measures into national policies |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article discusses the need for African countries to invest in decentralized energy systems, such as mini-hydropower and solar plants, to ensure off-grid communities have access to low-carbon electricity. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article also mentions the importance of developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being. This relates to SDG 9, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights the need to integrate climate change measures into national policies and planning. This is in line with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services
The article emphasizes the importance of targeted investments in small-scale renewable energy projects to help electrify Africa’s marginalized communities and ensure access to low-carbon electricity.
Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
The article mentions the potential of renewable energy sources like solar and wind in Africa. It suggests that African countries should attract investments in off-grid power projects to leverage the abundance of renewables in the region.
Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
The article highlights the need for investments in decentralized energy systems and infrastructure development to support economic growth and connectivity in remote areas.
Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article calls for the integration of climate change measures into national policies to address energy poverty and promote sustainable development.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Number of people with access to electricity: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 7.1 of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
– Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 7.2 of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– Rate of improvement in energy efficiency: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 7.3 of doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
– Investment in infrastructure development: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 9.1 of developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
– Integration of climate change measures into national policies: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 13.2 of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Therefore, the article provides indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services | Number of people with access to electricity |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all | Investment in infrastructure development |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Integration of climate change measures into national policies |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news-journal.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
