China helps Africa develop and utilize solar energy

In recent years, Africa's photovoltaic industry has accelerated development. Photovoltaic power generation has become a hot spot in Africa's renewable energy development, and has also become an important part of China-Africa clean energy cooperation. According to the analysis, Africa's natural endowments and urgent needs in the development of the photovoltaic industry, combined with the rich experience and advanced technology accumulated by Chinese enterprises in the photovoltaic field, make the cooperation between China and Africa in the field of solar energy development and utilization continue to go deep and solid.

In Garissa County, northeast Kenya, winding Tana River, golden tropical savannas, an endless stream of photovoltaic panels continue to convert solar energy into current, into Kenya grid - the Garissa 50 megawatt photovoltaic power station built by Chinese enterprises, is so far the largest photovoltaic power generation project in East Africa.

Since it was officially put into operation in 2019, Garissa photovoltaic power Station has an average annual power generation of more than 76 million KWH, which can meet the electricity needs of 70,000 households and a total of more than 380,000 people, not only allowing local residents to get rid of frequent power outages, but also promoting the development of local industry and commerce and creating a large number of job opportunities. At the same time, it can help Kenya save about 24,700 tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 64,000 tons per year.

On the African continent, there are many similar Sino-African photovoltaic projects. In recent years, China has continuously deepened cooperation with African countries and become an important partner in helping the African continent utilize and develop solar energy.

"From the early donation of solar street lights, solar traffic lights and other assistance projects, to the export of high-quality and inexpensive photovoltaic products in recent years, to the investment of Chinese enterprises in the construction of photovoltaic power stations in many African countries, the cooperation between China and African countries in the development and utilization of solar energy has made new progress." 

Energy shortage is a common problem in African countries. According to the International Energy Agency, there will still be 660 million people without electricity in 2030, most of them living in the sub-Saharan region. At the same time, Africa has rich renewable energy resources, solar energy, wind energy and water energy reserves accounted for 40%, 32% and 12% of the world, respectively, renewable energy development potential is huge.

"Currently, solar energy is the fastest growing renewable energy source in Africa and has become an important area of clean energy cooperation between China and Africa. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, between 2011 and 2020, Africa's solar installed capacity will grow at an average annual rate of 54 per cent, two and a half times that of wind (22.5 per cent), geothermal (14.7 per cent) and hydropower (3.2 per cent)."