ENERGY active network management . But in SSA , it is transmission , rather than distribution , which is seen as more vital to a high renewables future , highlighting the urgency of building out a national and regional electricity backbone
A current example in Kenya provides a particularly interesting holistic , in-tandem , approach to renewables and transmission . Lake Turkana wind project is being developed in conjunction with Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd ( Ketraco )’ s 400kV transmission line to deliver the wind project ’ s electricity to load centres .
Of course , significant institutional and infrastructural challenges remain . Our survey shows that lenders are particularly important to scaling-up renewables in SSA , yet the reality is that debt financing often remains an uphill battle due to high currency and political risk . Indigenous fossil fuels bring constraints – one survey respondent explained that “ South Africa is a coal mining country , therefore coal generation is set to be an integral part of our power mix ”. And low per capita incomes mean that cost reduction is imperative .
Yet it ’ s hard not to be excited by the emerging role for SSA as a low carbon leapfrog , pioneering a new model of renewables integration . The forces are strong – one SSA respondent bluntly stated that “ there is no option but to move to renewable energy sources , and the more we move over , the cheaper it will get ”.
Change is on . Let ’ s embrace it .
Sliman Abu Amara DNV GL ’ s Area Manager for Africa
For more information : Learn more about our global industry study on the three dynamics reshaping renewables and the grid at : dnvgl . com / beyond _ integration
Visit dnvgl . com / energy to explore our proven renewable integration and energy storage services .
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