Μελέτη για τη δυνατότητα παροχής καθαρής και φθηνής ενέργειας στην περιοχή της Υποσαχάριας Αφρικής. Ανάλυση της τρέχουσας αγοράς, προκλήσεις και ευκαιρίες

Σταύρου, Χρήστος

Study on the potential for clean and cheap energy supply in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Current market analysis, challenges and opportunities

Master Thesis

Author

Σταύρου, Χρήστος

Date

2025-10

Abstract

The purpose of the current thesis is to highlight the problem of energy insufficiency in Sub-Saharan African countries and the need to promote the 7th SDG, “Affordable and Clean Energy.” Initially, all 17 SDGs are presented, with a more detailed analysis of the 7th SDG, focusing on the promotion of clean, affordable energy for all social groups. Subsequently, the Lighting Global program is discussed, which aims to provide clean energy to remote and less accessible areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. The program supports the development of decentralized solar energy solutions, such as microgrids and standalone solar systems, allowing communities without access to the national grid to be electrified. Next, the case of Sierra Leone is examined, where only 22% of the population has access to the electricity grid, a figure below the Sub-Saharan African average of 30%. Transmission and distribution losses reach 38% of the generated energy, significantly affecting electricity availability. The total installed capacity is 208.8 MW (2021), with main sources being the floating Karpowership plant (65 MW) and the Bumbuna hydroelectric station (50 MW), while smaller contributions come from other hydroelectric, thermal, and solar plants. In 2021, electricity production consisted of 41% hydroelectric, 58% thermal (fuel oil), and only 1% solar energy. Electricity demand increased from 52.4 MW in 2015 to 106.91 MW in 2019, while connected customers grew by 118% between 2015 and 2021. Despite the installed renewable energy capacity increasing by 33.04% and thermal capacity by 313.36% during the 2015–2021 period, per capita consumption remains only 55 kWh, one of the lowest in the world. This highlights the need for further investment in infrastructure, technology, and programs that enhance energy efficiency and access. Kenya is presented as a model country in renewable energy in Africa and as an example of sustainable development for Sierra Leone and other Sub-Saharan countries. The country covers approximately 86% of its electricity production from renewables, with 46% geothermal, 22% hydroelectric, 13% wind, and 5% solar. Geothermal energy exploits the underground heat of the Rift Valley region, making Kenya a pioneer in this field in Africa. Hydroelectric power provides significant stability to the national grid, with major projects along the Tana River, though it is vulnerable during drought periods. Wind energy, primarily from the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, accounts for around 13% of production, while solar energy utilizes high solar potential above 5 kWh/m² per day, with large projects such as the Gitaru Solar Power Plant (40 MW) and the Garissa Solar Power Plant (50 MW). Additionally, Kenya uses microgrids and standalone solar systems to electrify remote areas, improving quality of life and supporting the local economy, while still relying on thermal power plants (diesel and fuel oil) to meet demand during periods of low renewable output, ensuring energy stability. The thesis concludes with the need to strengthen investments in renewable energy infrastructure, develop incentives for private investments and financing, utilize public–private partnerships, and train the local population in the installation and maintenance of energy systems. Particular importance is placed on promoting renewable energy as a key factor in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering electricity costs, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The significance of adopting programs such as Lighting Global is also emphasized, enabling rapid access to decentralized and sustainable clean energy solutions, thereby linking the 7th SDG to increased use of renewable energy, improved daily life, and enhanced economic development in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Βιοοικονομία, Κυκλική Οικονομία και Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη

Department

Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Οικονομικής Επιστήμης

Number of pages

Language

Greek

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/18352

Collections

Τμήμα Οικονομικής Επιστήμης

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα