As the merger of climate change and COVID panic materializes before us, "global leaders" have found developing world voices to join the crusade to "save the planet" from carbon (dioxide) "pollution." But like their Chinese and Indian counterparts, many Africans, from heads of state to captains of industry and beyond, intend to expand reliance on fossil fuels to build their economies, not shrink it.
"Africa's electricity demand is set to increase significantly, as the continent strives to industrialize and improve the well-being of its people," says Oxford University researcher Galina Alova. Those who hope for rapid energy "decarbonization" in Africa will likely be disappointed. Alova's research found that Africa is likely to double its electricity generation by 2030, with fossil fuels providingtwo-thirds of the total, hydroelectric another 18% and non-hydro renewables less than a tenth.