VIABILITY IMPROVES FOR AFRICAN SOLAR: POLICY SUPPORT FOR SOLAR POWER GROWS IN SUB-SAHARAN NATIONS

摘要

Much of sub-Saharan Africa has experienced remarkable economic growth since the start of the 21st century. Six of the ten fastest-growing economies worldwide between 2000 and 2010 were in the region and, if current growth rates continue, Africa's GDP should increase three-fold by 2030 and seven-fold by 2050. What is more remarkable is that the continent continues to face energy sector problems, inevitably holding back growth. It is clear that if sub-Saharan Africa is to lift its population out of poverty, alternatives to dependence on fossil fuels and hydropower are badly needed. Price fluctuations in the former have hit Africa especially hard, while the latter can grind to a halt in times of drought. These problems make the continent's vast potential for solar power essential to discussions about future energy policy.