Addressing energy poverty and the case for coal in Africa

BY utilising clean coal in the short term, ramping up investment and development across other energy sectors such as gas, Africa can address energy poverty, ensure energy security while reducing carbon emissions.

While coal has played a huge role regarding power generation in Africa, global climate policies are threatening the continued use of the energy resource, opting rather for cleaner sources of energy.

The African Energy Chamber, as the voice of the African energy sector, believes Africa should maintain coal’s role as a vital part of a diverse energy portfolio to be able to meet the continent’s energy needs and accelerate industrialisation and economic growth.

While coal generated 28% of Africa’s total electricity in 2021, according to the AEC’s Q1 2022 Outlook, The State of African Energy, the anticipated increase in energy demand of between 3% and 5% per annum over the next decade provides an opportunity for Africa to maximise the use of coal to meet its energy needs, while amplifying alternative energy take off through investment and development.

With over 600 million people in Africa currently living in energy poverty, boosting investments in an already established coal market will help amplify the continent’s electrification in a cost-efficient and highly effective manner.

Significant coal reserves available in countries such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria — all of which continue to struggle with regular power outages and unreliable supply — could help provide baseload power while stabilising supply and ensuring affordability.

Meanwhile, with some of the world’s most developed countries such as China and India leveraging coal to fuel the growth of their economies and industries, Africa should also follow suit.

Recent geopolitical events have shown that some of the world’s most developed countries are continuing to utilise coal, recognising the role the resource plays in meeting demand and driving industrialisation.

Notably, in light of the RussiaUkraine conflict, European countries such as Germany are now resorting to increasing coal usage to reduce the reliance on Russian gas, despite pushing green narratives.

Germany’s coal imports are expected to increase by 12% in 2022.

Zimbabwe currently ranks sixth in the world regarding reserves, eight regarding production and fourth regarding consumption, importing 25% of its consumption — equating to 63 million tonnes.