Disruptive technologies, sustainable energy generation and storage as forms of green economy

Abstract

The role of disruptive energy technologies in Africa’s transition to sustainable energy generation and green economy is examined. The chapter shows that the prospects for disruptive energy technologies in Africa’s transition to sustainable energy generation and storage and green economy are good for several reasons. First, the sources of the energy these technologies generate are low carbon, more abundant, and renewable. Second, the technologies do not require expensive centralized grid systems that have created under-grid and off-grid market segments. Third, the flexible and modular nature of these technologies could allow countries to plan an energy program that would be more manageable with their budget. However, there are several problems that need to be addressed if the use of disruptive energy technologies can help Africa to transform. These include cost, low power generation, low demand and lack of investment, and no formal large-scale effort to deploy the technologies for sustainable energy generation. The chapter recommends the adoption of sustainable energy and green economy as national policy that will focus on the use of disruptive energy technologies and the supporting mechanisms that will make it successful.