The ocean as a source of renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa: sources, potential, sustainability and challenges

ABSTRACT

The present paper examines, based on literature review and data from Africa Energy Outlook 2019, the feasibility of adoption of renewable energy from the ocean for socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa, given the enormous potential the region has for ocean-based sources of energy. The study concludes that mini tidal power plants and salt gradient power are the ocean energy sources most suitable for coastal development. It recommends a gradual reduction in subsidies of fossil fuel-based energy sources in favour of support to renewable energy, building human resources and technical capacity, the establishment of smart partnerships and mobilisation of resources for an effective promotion of ocean renewable energy. It recommends further, that community engagement is needed to assure ownership and acceptance.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Clean energy
• tidal current power
• salt gradient power
• rural electrification
• coastal development

Acknowledgements

Special thanks are due to Mrs Faith Bowers, Professor D.G. Bowers and two anonymous reviewers for the constructive remarks and suggestions, which significantly improved the quality of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research was part of PhD studies on renewable energy, financially supported by the Eduardo Mondlane University post-graduate research grant, under SIDA-SAREC Project No 2.1.6.