Africa Sets New Solar Installation Records in 2023

Africa has achieved significant milestones in solar energy development, with the continent’s installed solar capacity reaching 16 GW, according to the annual report of the African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA). In 2023, African countries collectively deployed 3,745 MWp of photovoltaic solar power, marking a record-breaking year for solar energy adoption on the continent.

South Africa emerged as a leader in solar power production within Africa, boasting an installed capacity of 7,781 MW (excluding residential installations). This placed South Africa significantly ahead of Egypt, which ranked second due to its Benban solar complex with a capacity of 1.65 GW. South Africa accounted for 9% of all new solar capacity installed in 2023, with nearly 3,000 MWp added to its solar infrastructure. A significant portion of this capacity was dedicated to businesses, indicating a growing trend of commercial and industrial solar projects.

South Africa’s accelerated investments in solar energy can be attributed to its urgent need for an energy transition, as the country heavily relies on thermal power plants, which currently generate around 80% of its electricity. Additionally, load shedding due to ageing coal-fired power plants has exacerbated the energy crisis. To address these challenges, South Africa initiated the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producers Procurement Program (RMIPPPP), resulting in the deployment of several solar power plants.

Several other African countries also have plans for large-scale solar power projects, including the Central African Republic (CAR) with two solar power plants totalling 40 MWp, Burkina Faso (92 MWp), Mauritania (84 MWp), Kenya (69.5 MWp), and Niger (30 MWp). Egypt is also preparing to commission new solar farms, including the 200 MWp Kom Ombo project.

The solar mini-grid sector is gaining prominence and is expected to play a crucial role in expanding electricity access in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria. Leading investors such as the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) are supporting these initiatives.

Furthermore, the report highlights the growing interest in green hydrogen projects across the continent. Several African countries are well-positioned to compete globally in producing cost-effective green hydrogen due to abundant solar irradiation and access to international maritime routes. Mauritania, in particular, has ambitious plans with 57 GW of green hydrogen projects, representing a significant portion of all green hydrogen development in Africa and a substantial share of the continent’s solar projects.

In summary, Africa made remarkable progress in solar energy adoption in 2023, and the commercial and industrial sector played a pivotal role in driving this growth. The continent’s potential for green hydrogen production and its increasing focus on renewable energy bode well for its sustainable energy future.