China Africa Energy Cooperation: Joining Hands to Illuminate a Green Future

The vast land of the African continent, with scorching sunshine, strong winds, and rushing rivers, contains endless energy treasures. On this hopeful land, energy cooperation between China and Africa is flourishing, injecting green energy into the sustainable development of both sides.

South African National Power Company is currently actively adapting to market changes and continuously enhancing its competitiveness. Especially in recent years, its cooperation with China has not only brought financial support, but also technology and experience sharing, helping South Africa's infrastructure construction and economic stability. "Dan Mallokany, President of South African National Power Company, introduced that the company has established cooperative relationships with Chinese enterprises to jointly promote the application of local smart grid technology. These collaborations will help South Africa achieve energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, and support local governments in fulfilling their commitments under the Paris Agreement. Malocani stated that in the field of energy cooperation, only through partnerships to jointly develop green energy such as photovoltaics and wind power can Africa better address the energy challenges it faces. Both sides have made positive progress in these areas.

In September 2023, in order to implement the "Declaration on China Africa Cooperation in Response to Climate Change", China announced the implementation of the "African Light Belt" project at the first Africa Climate Summit. The project aims to solve the electricity and lighting problems of at least 50000 impoverished households in Africa through cooperation in building "photovoltaic+" projects, promoting climate and photovoltaic development exchanges and dialogues, conducting photovoltaic strategic planning and supporting policy research, and implementing capacity building projects, while promoting green and low-carbon development in the energy sector.

The cooperation between China and Africa in the field of solar photovoltaics is becoming increasingly close. Many Chinese companies bring advanced technology and experience to Africa to help us build photovoltaic power plants and promote solar products. These projects not only alleviate our electricity shortage problem, but also create a large number of job opportunities for the local area and promote economic development. For example, in Zambia, Mozambique and other places, the construction and operation of photovoltaic power plants provide stable electricity supply for local residents and improve their living conditions. "Sikstus Murenga, founder and executive chairman of Zambia Musam Resource Development Company, said in an interview with China Trade News that with the progress of technology, the efficiency of solar equipment continues to improve and the cost continues to decrease, which makes it affordable for more regions and populations. Get up.

The reporter noticed that 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 data from the International Renewable Energy Agency, the installed solar capacity in Africa achieved an average annual growth rate of 54% from 2011 to 2020.

The energy cooperation between China and Africa is visible and tangible, and the mode of cooperation has shifted from "giving people fish" to "giving people fish". During the interview, the reporter learned that in China Africa energy cooperation, Chinese enterprises not only bring in funds and technology, but also pay more attention to the cultivation of local technical talents and the improvement of innovation capabilities. Taking the DeA wind power project in South Africa as an example, the project was constructed by a Chinese enterprise and connected to the grid for power generation in 2017, with a total installed capacity of 244500 kilowatts. After the project was implemented, it not only effectively alleviated the shortage of electricity supply in South Africa, but also created more than 700 job opportunities for the local area. Chinese enterprises have cultivated a large number of technical talents for the local energy industry through the establishment of scholarships and skill training.

In Kenya, the largest photovoltaic power station in East Africa constructed by China, the 50 MW Garissa Photovoltaic Power Station, has been officially put into operation, meeting the electricity needs of over 380000 people in 70000 households; In Rwanda, the construction of the Nabaronga River No. 2 hydropower project is underway intensively. This large-scale multifunctional comprehensive water conservancy and hydropower development project will greatly alleviate the country's power shortage and reduce dependence on non renewable energy sources; In Angola, the construction of the Kekai hydropower station, which can be built and constructed by China Energy Engineering Corporation, is in full swing. It is expected to meet more than 40% of the country's electricity demand after completion

According to the information released by the National Energy Administration, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly China Africa energy cooperation projects have spread to more than 40 countries and regions in Africa, involving multiple fields such as photovoltaics, wind power, hydropower, biomass, etc. While enhancing Africa's power supply capacity, they have effectively promoted Africa's energy transformation.

Chinese friends have brought us energy technology and equipment in the past to help Africa solve urgent energy needs, and now this cooperation is deeper and more comprehensive. Chinese companies in Africa not only share technology, but also strive to cultivate our local talents, enabling us to master independent research and development and operation capabilities, truly realizing the transformation from external support to independent development. We look forward to the cooperation between the two sides injecting lasting momentum into Africa's green energy industry and achieving win-win development, "said Ayton Amos, founder and CEO of South Sudan 3A Energy Services Co., Ltd.