The Sahel Can Revolutionize Renewable Energy Access and Affordability Up to the Last Mile (By Reshmi Theckethil) | Global News Avenue

Author: RESHMI Theckethil, the main investment portfolio, climate action, reducing the risk of disaster, energy and toughness | Sahel elastic project manager, the development planning department in the western and central regional hubs in China (www.undp.orgTo.

Imagine a Sahele area. Every family, schools and hospitals can use cleaning. The affordable energy-renewable energy sources not only provide services for houses, but also promote economic transformation. In view of the rich solar energy, wind and water resources in the area, this vision can be realized. The renewable energy capacity of Sahel is still not enough to use. This is one of the highest potential potential in global solar production. It is 13.9 billion kWh/year, while global consumption is 20 billion kWh. At present, more than 55 % of energy production is dominated by fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, and renewable energy is still very marginal.

In the past two decades, almost half of the Sahele countries’ main energy demand has increased by more than 4 % (1) each year. However, the benefits of urban areas are not proportional, so that nearly half of the population is not electric. The cost of high power generation and infrastructure has exacerbated connected differences, and reliable power reaches about 20 % of the population.

Renewable energy: driving force for human development

The renewable energy in Sahel is not just a technical solution, it is a catalyst for sustainable human development. The policy of positioning green energy solutions can eliminate energy poverty and promote elasticity. As mentioned in the national contribution (NDC), the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy has grown, and it provides tolerant opportunities to improve social achievements and environmental protection. Coordinated strategies can ensure climate adaptability, and at the same time, the results of human welfare are given priority.

For women and youth, renewable energy acquisition is changed. It reduces time -dense physical labor, open innovation opportunities, and improved productivity in various departments. The solar agricultural hub allows farmers to deal with production locally, thereby increasing income and reducing waste. Solar irrigation can regenerate arid land, crack down on unsafe food, and create sustainable livelihood.

International’s commitment to Sahele

The Development Planning Department recognizes the potential of the region and is implementing the comprehensive strategy of UNISS in the United Nations. It aims to provide cleanliness and afford energy for more than 150 million people by 2025. Since 2021, renewable energy plans have benefited more than 70.7 million people in Lake Chad (2) and areas such as Liptako-Gourma (3). These efforts have been supported by partners such as Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, Africa Development Bank, Norway, Japan and local participants to use energy and use energy to solve structural energy poverty with climate and safety considerations.

Initiative such as the African MiniGrids program, regional stable facilities, Sahel elastic projects and Energy4SAHEL initiatives are essential for the region because they strengthen local regulatory capabilities and give community development to extended innovative solutions. For example, in Mauritania, the founder and CEO of SB-GAZ, Aziza Sidi Bouna, designed a biological digestive prototype. These prototypes provide clean energy for a small part of the cost of propane gas used for cooking. In Gambia, young renewable energy engineer Jankey Jassey is at the forefront of the space for young girls to create renewable energy fields. In Guinea, young researcher Marc Tambo assumed bold tasks. The task mobilized his community and established a micro plant that can supply power plants, providing many people with energy channels, and for many people, and for many people, and for many people, and for many people, it provided energy channels and used it for many people. The community provides job opportunities.

Strengthen regional cooperation

With the transition from the world’s turn to clean and fair energy, the region can drive sustainability and people -oriented African green innovation. Through cooperation with developing partners, private sector and diaspora, the Sahele countries can adopt targeted green industrial policies to ensure and accelerate the necessary technical transfer and financing opportunities, as well as burdensome and efficiency improvement. In order to create a long -term solution that lacks temporary market distortion, incentive measures for commercial investment must be considered. These investments must lead to a long -lasting solution centered on customer, with cost -effective electrification scenarios with cost -effectiveness and consistent innovation with social and economic development indicators.

Using the opportunity of the African Free Trade Zone (AFCFTA), these countries can expand market access and promote cross -border energy interconnection and regional electric battles. However, the gap between the ambitious policies and the implementation of the ground and the implementation of the ground. The government must ensure that all ministries and agencies are given priority to the energy access policy and follow the transparent public instrument board tracking progress. Civil society participation in supervision and expenditure analysis is essential to achieve the goal of national electrification.

Through partnership, innovative incentive measures and public investment, Sahel can reduce the energy gap and improve the gap in rural cities. Renewable energy provides changing ways for sustainable and inclusive development. By promoting innovation and effective use of resources, SAHEL can become a model of climate toughness and economic revitalization, and has achieved the ability of the last mile of energy acquisition and burden.

Published by APO Group on behalf of the United Nations Development Plan (UNDP).