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Husk Power Systems on how to accelerate the energy shift in Africa
Fossil fuels comprise 80 per cent of the current global primary energy demand. It has been said, time and time again that it is critical to accelerate and sustain the transition to efficient, renewable and sustainable energy systems all over the world. William Brent, Chief Marketing Officer at Husk Power Systems joins CNBC Africa on accelerating the energy shift.
Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:23:55 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Renewable energy offers a pathway out of poverty for rural Africans, particularly women and youth, and provides economic opportunities for agricultural communities.
- Advancements in technology are transforming the renewable energy sector market, enabling the efficient delivery of renewable energy solutions to remote rural communities.
- Policy frameworks and public-private partnerships are crucial for incentivizing the adoption of renewable energy solutions, attracting investment, and addressing energy poverty in Africa.
Fossil fuels have long been the dominant source of energy globally, accounting for 80% of the current global primary energy demand. However, the need to accelerate the transition to efficient, renewable, and sustainable energy systems has never been more urgent. This transition is vital not only for addressing climate change but also for unlocking economic opportunities, especially in rural areas of Africa. William Brent, the Chief Marketing Officer at Husk Power Systems, discussed the potential of renewable energy in transforming rural communities in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Brent highlighted the role of renewable energy in providing a pathway out of poverty for many Africans living in rural areas, particularly women and youth. He emphasized that renewable energy solutions, such as solar and batteries, are becoming increasingly more affordable and viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation. The volatility of diesel prices globally has further underscored the economic advantages of renewable energy solutions, shifting the way rural economies in Africa operate. While diesel generation has been the primary source of power in many rural African communities due to unreliable grids, Brent noted that renewable energy solutions offer a more reliable and cost-effective alternative over the long term. He pointed out that over a 20-year period, solar systems are far more affordable for governments than continuing to subsidize diesel generation, while also benefiting rural communities by reducing costs and improving public health. The advancement of technology has played a significant role in transforming the renewable energy sector market. With innovations such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, private sector companies are now able to efficiently serve remote rural communities with renewable energy solutions. Brent highlighted the importance of policy frameworks that incentivize the adoption of renewable energy solutions in countries like Nigeria and Kenya. He emphasized the need for governments to create an enabling environment that supports the transition to renewable energy by providing equal footing to renewable energy solutions and phasing out subsidies for diesel generation. Brent also discussed the critical role of public-private partnerships in addressing energy poverty in Africa. He stressed that leveraging climate capital to incentivize private sector investment in rural electrification is essential for sustainable development. However, Brent acknowledged that the sector is currently underfunded, with a significant gap between the investment needed and the actual funding available. He called for greater government support and policy alignment to attract the necessary investment to scale renewable energy solutions in Africa. Looking ahead to 2022, Brent highlighted the importance of mobilizing climate finance to support both mitigation and adaptation efforts in Africa. He emphasized the need for resilient energy infrastructure, such as mini-grids, to address the climate vulnerabilities of rural communities in the face of increasing climate risks. Overall, Brent expressed optimism about the future of renewable energy in Africa and called for concerted efforts from governments, private sector, and international partners to accelerate the energy shift and unlock the full potential of renewable energy for rural development.
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