Global renewable energy capacity is growing at record levels, with new additions set to exceed 500 gigawatts in 2024.
However, only 1.6 percent of that growth is occurring in Africa, a stark disparity that experts warn could widen the continent’s energy divide.
Speaking at the 15th International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) assembly in Abu Dhabi, Director General Francesco La Camera stressed the urgent need to address this imbalance, highlighting Africa’s vast untapped renewable potential. He noted that global renewable capacity must reach 11.2 terawatts by 2030 to meet COP28 targets, which include tripling renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency.
La Camera urged increased investments to reach the $1.5 trillion needed annually by 2030, stressing that the next five years will be critical in accelerating the transition and bridging global energy disparities.