Flexibility choices could be a fatal blind spot in Africa’s renewable energy transition
By Marc Thiriet, Director, Africa, Wärtsilä Energy
It is no longer disputed that solar and wind power will be the foundation of Africa’s future energy systems. They are perfectly suited to the continent’s unique conditions and are already the most cost-competitive power option in almost all cases. This consensus spans academia, businesses, and policymakers who all recognize the potential of renewable energy to meet Africa's growing needs sustainably.
They also readily acknowledge the intermittent nature of renewables, and the associated need for flexible power capacity within the electricity networks to ensure safe and steady supply. It’s a good start. But the real challenge revolves around determining which technologies are best suited to provide it and the actual extent of flexible ca...