Key African nations set off on energy and emissions growth paths

A view of a logo of the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The combination of a planned expansion in fossil fuel use and increased economic momentum and will raise fears among climate trackers that the region is set to accelerate pollution levels that may undermine climate change targets. – Reuters

AFRICAN nations made clear at last week’s United Nations climate summit that the region would develop its fossil fuel resources to alleviate fuel shortages, help lift local populations out of poverty and spur vital economic growth.

Africa’s electricity consumption growth since 2017 was second only to top power consumer Asia, according to Enerdata, and is home to several countries that are expected to see favourable demographic changes and robust economic growth this decade, including Egypt, host of the latest COP27 climate talks.This combination of a planned expansion in fossil fuel use and increased economic momentum and will raise fears among climate trackers that the region is set to accelerate pollution levels that may undermine climate change targets.Yet the extent of any actual emissions increase will depend greatly on the source of power used to generate electricity in each country.In 2021, Africa as a whole generated 39% of its electricity from gas, 29% from coal, 8% from other fossil fuels, 17% from hydro, and 4% from renewable sources, according to data from Ember.