The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has launched Africa WindPower (“AWP”) to address a clear need for a regional body representing the wind industry. AWP offers a platform for dialogue between Africa’s wind industry and government stakeholders, with the goal of scaling up and accelerating wind project development and deployment across the entire African continent. With sufficient investment appetite already in place, the development of fit-for-purpose government policy and regulation for the energy transition is necessary to unlock private investment from both within and outside of the continent. Despite an early start for wind energy in Africa, wind energy deployment has often been held back as fossil fuel generation sources such as natural gas continue to make inroads in some markets, and coal, heavy fuel oil, and diesel remain a large part of the energy mix.
Africa has already begun its transition to a clean energy future, but this process is moving far too slowly with incumbent fossil fuels playing too prominent a role. Countries across the continent have the crucial ingredients to develop thriving local wind industries, which would bring significant jobs and economic growth to diverse communities. Despite what we are hearing on the world stage ahead of COP26, it is not only ‘Climate Finance’ but greater collaboration between the private and public sectors that will drive Africa’s energy transition and increase access to reliable sources of electricity. Africa can leapfrog traditional fossil-fuel based energy systems to achieve a robust renewable energy mix. Wind Power is a vital part of this clean energy transition allowing for decentralized, affordable, and clean energy. In addition, Africa boasts fantastic wind resource which can power the continent 250 times over while creating jobs and enabling the development of local industries. GWEC’s Africa WindPower will bring various stakeholders together to decrease the knowledge gap and increase the development and deployment of wind power throughout the continent. GWEC’s Africa WindPower is an Africa-based initiative focused on the promotion of zero carbon, cost competitive, wind energy across the African Continent, with the ability to draw upon the expertise and knowledge of the global wind energy industry. Africa WindPower combines the expertise and knowledge of the global wind industry with ‘on the ground’ experience and know-how in the region, working closely with Africa’s leading wind energy companies, governments, national utilities, and associations.