Power sector renewable energy integration for expanding access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

A looming energy supply crisis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) raises concerns about a long-lasting energy shortage. This energy crisis is expected to persist for an indefinite period in the region unless immediate actions are taken to reverse the trend. Although global aspiration to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere is high, such desire is low in SSA. Regional stakeholders are more worried about increasing power generation capacity to enhance better access to different sorts of development. To progress in line with advanced patterns of energy development globally, to increase the availability of electrical energy and to sustain emissions reductions, exploitation of local renewable energy (RE) resources is inevitable. Consequently, this paper presents a comprehensive review of RE integration for expanding access to electricity in SSA. The review covers the sustainability of RE resources in SSA, the regional status of RE applications and the necessity of RE power generation integration planning from a management aspect. Finally, the benefits of RE integration into the power sector of SSA and some conceptual challenges affecting its integration in the region are highlighted. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.