According to the report on climate change and security in West Africa published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the changing climate conditions in the region are impacting natural resource availability, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity. The report predicts unprecedented changes in temperatures and rainfall in the next 10 to 20 years.
Currently, West Africa is witnessing an alarming rise in temperatures, with some areas recording highs of 42-43 degrees Celsius. This temperature surge is accompanied by prolonged droughts, posing significant challenges to countries relying on hydropower generation for their energy needs.
Unfortunately, the vulnerability extends beyond power generation, as many West African countries’ power infrastructures lack resilience against extreme weather conditions, compounded by aged and compromised infrastructure.
During the rainy seasons, Nigeria often pre-emptively shuts down its grid operations to prevent additional damage to its already fragile infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructural development in the region.
The good news is that West Africa is proactively responding to climate challenges by implementing renewable energy solutions. Investments in renewable energy are gaining momentum, with substantial funding support. For instance, USAID is backing the third cycle of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) EREF (ECOWAS Renewable Energy Fund) program, which focuses on facilitating access to finance for renewable energy projects, particularly clean energy mini-grids (CEMGs).
This surge in investment aligns with the region’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and promoting climate sustainability. The integration of wind and solar energy acts as a stabilizing force, especially when hydropower generation is compromised by fluctuating and extreme weather patterns.
Gas engines and turbines are also gaining popularity, providing consistent energy supply during the rainy season when solar supply is impacted. Green hydrogen is emerging as a potential solution, demonstrating a commitment to innovative solutions aligned with long-term sustainability goals.
As a global energy management company, Schneider Electric is assisting the region in establishing a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. Their goal is to ensure optimal energy capacity utilization, from generation to distribution to end-users. This involves providing intelligent monitoring solutions contributing to efficient power management and distribution, leading to cost savings and increased investor confidence.
While West Africa still faces numerous obstacles, the region’s commitment to sustainability is encouraging and reflects its resilience and proactive steps in balancing climate change with stable energy provision.
Orignal Writer: Obinna Uche, Sales Director, Power Systems Division at Schneider Electric Anglophone West Africa.
From the News Source: Techeconomy
