How African governments can achieve energy-related SDGs

According to the United Nations, the world is not on track to achieving energy-related Sustainable Development Goals for universal energy access and increasing renewables and energy efficiency though considerable progress has been made in global energy access.

The number of people without access to electricity fell to around 1 billion in 2016 from 1.7 billion in 2000 says a policy brief published by the International Energy Association (IEA).

The number of people gaining access to electricity each year is accelerating, due to strong successes in some countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Tanzania. Grid electrification has been the source of almost all energy access gained since 2000 and is likely to remain the most favourable option for many households, especially in more densely populated areas.

To deliver universal energy access by 2030, decentralized options are the least-cost option for 60 per cent of people currently lacking access. Public programmes and private-business models providing electricity access with off-grid solar are thriving, and many countries are also exploiting their renewable potential in the centralized electricity mix.

“However, having a source of electricity is not a guarantee of full access. To serve the needs of households, schools, health centres and local enterprises, electricity needs to be available at the right time, at an affordable price and with a reliable supply and appliances.

“Current progress towards delivering universal access is promising in many parts of Asia and some countries in sub-Saharan Africa, but not in all. Based on recent trends and policies, the number of people without electricity access is expected to remain over 670 million in 2030, with over 80 per cent of those lacking access concentrated in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

Government’s priority roles

The UN says key action is to guarantee leadership, commitment and strategic planning. This can be achieved by elevating universal access to electricity to a high level on the political agenda, backing up commitments with strategic planning, clear policies and regulatory frameworks, and dedicated institutions.

Governments especially in Africa need to identify a strong champion institution for electrification programs, with a clear mandate, the authority and resources to fulfil the mandate, and accountability for achieving that mandate are equally important.

To achieve the estimated $52 billion per year in investment necessary to deliver universal access, private investment is needed to complement public spending. Governments need to ramp up investments in de-risking tools, provide affordable financing and a clear enabling policy framework to attract the private capital.

Household electrification strategies implemented by governments especially in rural areas should take into account other development goals and opportunities to use energy access to stimulate sustainable economic activity. It should incorporate and support technology development and standards.

Decentralized systems are benefiting from innovative control and payment solutions, such as smart metering, customer data management and communications, and mobile payments. More of this innovation should be encouraged. Electrification planning needs to take into account the dynamic and integrated nature of energy demand and storage, and ensure technical standards and energy efficiency in end-use appliances.

Governments should also address affordability, which remains a critical barrier, by lowering upfront costs in providing targeted financing and subsidies, harnessing new business models such as the pay-as-you-go model, integrating energy efficient appliances with electricity access solutions, and creating sound policies and institutions.

ISAAC ANYAOGU