Africa is undergoing a profound shift in its energy landscape, marked by the closure of coal plants and a resolute embrace of sustainable alternatives.
South Africa’s decommissioning of coal facilities, including Grootvlei and Hendrina, reflects a commitment echoed across the continent.
[ICYMI]: @EngNewsZA's top story of the week!
Eskom says all repurposing options on table for Komati, Hendrina and Grootvlei https://t.co/aVy9K5EemK |#Eskom #Coal #Energy #TopStory pic.twitter.com/oSSY4MLCcv
— Engineering News (@EngNewsZA) May 1, 2020
Nigeria, historically reliant on fossil fuels, showcases the power of community-led advocacy in driving change.
Morocco’s transition away from coal is exemplified by the closure of the Safi plant and the ambitious Noor Solar Complex, demonstrating the feasibility of diversified and sustainable energy solutions.
Noor Complex Solar Power
Morocco pic.twitter.com/BIteVH6Msl— Civil Engineering Discoveries (@CivilEngDis) September 5, 2020
Kenya, with its success in geothermal energy, highlights the importance of community engagement in the Olkaria Geothermal Field.
.@KenGenKenya has developed over 500 MW of geothermal power generation at the Olkaria field near Naivasha, Kenya. #EnergyForTheNation #OlkariaMediaTour https://t.co/wBzT4GvNf8 pic.twitter.com/sePv05XB9Z
— Rich TvAfrica (@RichTvAfrica) February 16, 2018
Senegal’s Taiba N’Diaye wind farm signifies both the nation’s commitment to wind energy and the importance of local empowerment.
The 158-MW wind farm in Taiba N’Diaye, when fully online later this year, will provide Senegal with about 16% of its power generation. The farm was built by Lekela of UK. pic.twitter.com/kFG9IvmYnO
— Yvonne Carr (@YenGroup) June 11, 2020
Ghana’s closure of coal plants aligns with a broader shift toward solar and hydropower, emphasizing not just sustainable energy but also economic growth.
Rwanda’s holistic approach, seen in the closure of the Gishoma peat plant, reflects the interconnected nature of environmental and social sustainability.
Very good progress in Rwanda Energy Sector @reg_rwanda @RwandaInfra .Nice to learn about 1)Gishoma Peat Plant (15MW) @RusiziDistrict 2)HQ Peat Power Plant (80MW) @GisagaraDistr 3)Rusumo Hydropower Plant (80MW), 4) GASMETH @Karongi and many more others
Rwanda 🇷🇼 👏 pic.twitter.com/vjajqg4DRs— Jean-Marie Minani, (@jmv_minani) February 5, 2023
Côte d’Ivoire’s Cocoa and Forest Initiative, while not energy-specific, underscores the importance of initiatives contributing to climate mitigation.
Ferrero has confirmed its progress towards the Cocoa and Forest Initiative in Ivory Coast and Ghana, setting key targets by 2022 @Ferrero_EU @FerreroUSA #cocoa #confectionery #cocoaandforests #Ferrero #Ghana #Ivorycoast #confectioneryproduction…https://t.co/gbk7CR4AbG pic.twitter.com/MOipuPBRjz
— Confectionery Prod. (@confectionprod) April 8, 2020
The success of Egypt’s Benban Solar Park goes beyond technical achievements, emphasizing inclusive development and community engagement.
Egypt is building the world's 2nd largest wind farm at a cost of $11 billion in partnership with UAE.
It will generate 10 gigawatts of electricity.
In 2021, Egypt opened the world's 4th largest solar park, Benban Solar Park which generates 1.5 GW of electricity at a cost of $4B pic.twitter.com/u6sTeKajuy
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) January 5, 2023
The African Union’s regional integration efforts, especially through the PIDA, play a pivotal role in collaborative sustainable energy initiatives.
Across these success stories, grassroots conversations within communities are driving the narrative, ensuring that Africa’s transition to sustainable energy is inclusive, resilient, and aligned with local aspirations.
The closure of coal plants signifies not just an end but the inception of a sustainable energy revolution, championed by communities and nations alike.