How much electricity does Africa have?

The entire installed generation capacity of Africa’s 48 Sub-Saharan countries is just 68 gigawatts, no more than Spain’s. As much as one-quarter of that capacity is unavailable because of aging plants and poor maintenance. In Sub-Saharan Africa, just one person in five has access to electricity.

Why do Africans rely on outdated power generation systems?

Africans depend on archaic power generation systems combined with outdated distribution infrastructure. Frequent equipment failures alongside reduced capacity result from delayed facility upgrades and insufficient equipment maintenance practices.

Does Africa have a power crisis?

Africa’s chronic power problems have escalated into a crisis affecting 30 countries. This tolls heavily on economic growth and productivity The entire installed generation capacity of Africa’s 48 Sub-Saharan countries is just 68 gigawatts, no more than Spain’s.

Is solar PV a focal energy resource for Africa?

Solar PV, which, as reported by our colleagues at PV Tech in their write-up of the AFSIA report, reached 19.2GW in 2024, increasing by 2.5GW on 2023 levels, is becoming the focal energy generation resource for Africa.

What is the energy storage capacity of the Ingula PSS?

Straddling the border of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces, the Ingula PSS has an energy storage capacity of 21 GWh, or 15.8 electricity generating hours.

How does aging infrastructure affect power supply?

KEY POINTS Aging infrastructure and lack of maintenance lead to frequent equipment failures. Rapid population growth has increased electricity demand beyond current supply capabilities. Climate-induced droughts have reduced hydropower capacity, causing significant power shortages.