African data centres drive demand for renewables

• The demand for data centres in Africa is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The market is projected to reach 1,430 MW by 2030, nearly five times the current capacity.

• These high energy-consuming machines are increasingly adopting on-site power generation to reduce energy costs and improve energy security. 

• Our take: Africa's digital economy is expected to grow rapidly, which will drive demand for more data centres that will need to self-generate power for efficiency… Read more (2 min)

Morocco secures $314m loan for energy transition

• Morocco has ambitious renewable energy targets. It plans to more than double its current share of power generation from renewables to 52% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

• Over the last 10 years, Morocco has focused on renewable energy investments, more than doubling its renewable energy capacity from 2.1 GW to 5.4 GW. This ranks it third in Africa, behind South Africa at 10.6 GW and Egypt at 6.7 GW.

• Our take: Although Morocco may not fully achieve its 2030 vision, recent heavy investments in renewables have set it on a strong path… Read more (2 min)

Botswana targets 8,000 MW of renewables in four years

• Botswana wants to rise from sixth to second place in Africa’s energy rankings by 2026. It also wants to become a regional energy powerhouse in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and export electricity to South Africa by 2027/2028.

• The country's total renewables capacity as of 2021 was 6 MW (all solar), a figure that has stagnated for the past few years but it's currently targeting to increase its renewable energy share to 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2036, with solar energy playing a pivotal role.

• Our take: For a project this big, engaging the private sector is the better strategy… Read more (2 min)

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