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The unflinching upsurge in global warming has put the world into a state of disarray, and policymakers are not sure of what the future holds for the ecosystem. To get the global environment back on track of sustainability, efforts are relentlessly emanating from both developed and developing economies to identify the hindering and enhancing factors. Given the preceding narratives, this paper investigates the tripartite impacts of renewable and nonrenewable energy, trade openness, and institutions on sustainable environment in 54 African countries from 1996 to 2019. The study employs the two-step system generalized methods of moment (SYS-GMM) in estimating the effects of the regressors on four indicators of sustainable environment. Six findings are prominent from the study. First, nonrenewable energy (NRE) and trade openness (TO) hinder sustainable environment, while renewable energy enhances it. Second, the unconditional impacts of institutions drive the path to a sustainable environment. Third, the interaction of institutions with NRE and TO hinders sustainable environment. However, after conducting institutional enhancement estimations, the interactive terms became supportive of sustainable environment. Fourth, the thresholds are policy-relevant across the specifications. Specifically, a 31.11% utilization of nonrenewable energy and 43.75% openness to trade contribute to a sustainable environment. Sixth, the impacts of economic growth and its square empirically support the inverted U-shaped EKC. This study suggests the adoption of carbon-taxing on nonrenewable energy products, price-subsidization for renewable energy goods and services, and institutional quality reforms as pathways towards achieving a sustainable environment in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution has aggravated the climate change issues posing unusual challenges to the survival and growth of humanity, including extreme weather, loss of species, and sustainability of the ecosystem in developing countries. Unlike previous studies, this paper adds new dimension to the literature by incorporating corruption into agriculture production-environment nexus. This study adds new dimension to the literature by examining corruption, agriculture, and renewable energy on CO2 emissions. The study therefore examines the effects of governance (corruption) and agriculture production on CO2 emissions in 20 countries in Africa from 1990 to 2019. The study employed recent panel econometric approach which accounts for cross-sectional dependence in the variables. The findings of the fixed effect model and panel dynamic ordinary least squares (PDOLS) show that forest and renewable energy consumption decrease CO2 emissions. However, corruption, agriculture production, export, and urbanization escalate CO2 emissions in African countries covered in the paper. Moreover, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin Granger causality indicates a bidirectional causality between agriculture production and CO2 emissions, renewable energy use, agricultural output, and forest. Also, unidirectional Granger causality runs from corruption to forest and agriculture production. On these premises, consented efforts by governments should be made to support good institutions in order to promote good governance to avert pervasive consequences of corruption on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past decade has seen an increase in renewable energy sources in the energy mix due to global environmental and supply security concerns. This paper aimed to investigate renewable energy effects on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). The investigation is from 1988 to 2018, using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), Nonlinear ARDL (NARDL), and fully modified OLS (FMOL) techniques. Based on empirical analyses of ARDL and FMOLS, it was found that both renewable and nonrenewable energies have a positive impact on economic growth in the Southern African power pool. However, the NARDL estimation indicates that neither renewable nor nonrenewable energy has a significant effect on economic growth in Southern African power pool. Therefore, based on the findings from both ARDL and FMOLS, the growth hypothesis is supported regarding the connection between renewable energy and economic growth in the Southern Africa power pool. Centered on the results, some policy implications were drawn for SAPP for sustainable economic growth, which includes measures to increase renewable energy in the energy mix, and also to encourage the optimization of cross-border connections where energy production from countries within SAPP that are not restricted by natural resources can be relied on to export sustainable energy. Additionally, building a more sustainable integrated power system in the region will assist SAPP with sustainable energy access and reduce the dependence on nonrenewable energy within the interconnected countries soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southern Africa has a huge potential for renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal. However, electricity access remains a key policy issue for most member states, with a global average access to electricity of only 54% in 2019. This low electrification rate is a strong motivation for member states to increase renewable energy use and improve access to electricity for all. The goal of this paper was to present a literature review of methodologies, energy plans, and government programs that have been implemented by the Southern African Development Community member states to address the region's low average electrification rate and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The study presents the most commonly used methodologies for the integration of renewable energies into electrical systems, considering the main grid and distributed generation systems. LCOE minimization methodologies and software options, such as GIS, HOMER, LEAP, and EnergyPLAN, are the most common among the identified studies. The traditional method of electrifying by expanding the grid has not contributed to the eradication of energy poverty in rural areas. Therefore, to improve electricity access in Southern Africa, it is essential to consider off-grid solutions based on renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is an abundant element and a flexible energy carrier, offering substantial potential as an environmentally friendly energy source to tackle global energy issues. When used as a fuel, hydrogen generates only water vapor upon combustion or in fuel cells, presenting a means to reduce carbon emissions in various sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation. Nevertheless, conventional hydrogen production methods often depend on fossil fuels, leading to carbon emissions unless integrated with carbon capture and storage solutions. Conversely, green hydrogen is generated through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy. This production method guarantees zero carbon emissions throughout the hydrogen's lifecycle, positioning it as a critical component of global sustainable energy transitions. In Africa, where there are extensive renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power, green hydrogen is emerging as a viable solution to sustainably address the increasing energy demands. This research explores the influence of policy frameworks, technological innovations, and market forces in promoting green hydrogen adoption across Africa. Despite growing investments and favorable policies, challenges such as high production costs and inadequate infrastructure significantly hinder widespread adoption. To overcome these challenges and speed up the shift towards a sustainable hydrogen economy in Africa, strategic investments and collaborative efforts are essential. By harnessing its renewable energy potential and establishing strong policy frameworks, Africa can not only fulfill its energy requirements but also support global initiatives to mitigate climate change and achieve sustainable development objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract African countries are in a unique position to reap the socio-economic and environmental benefits of renewable resources as a means for meeting increasing energy demand in a sustainable way. A critical obstacle for the deployment of renewable energy technologies in Africa is the difficulty of attracting sufficient and affordable finance. This paper compares the impact of financial conditions on the cost of electricity generation across six renewable and three fossil-based technologies in 46 African countries. The results show large cost variations and highlight the extent to which renewables are disadvantaged by current financial practices. The energy-economy-environment model TIAM-ECN is used to show how lowering financing costs results in a much higher deployment of renewables. For example, solar PV could account for 10–15% of total electricity generation by 2050, even without explicit climate policy, thanks to financial de-risking programmes. The results demonstrate that changes in financing schemes could outweigh the impact of technology learning. This paper also demonstrates that, once ambitious climate policies are in place, reducing financing costs for renewables could be an efficient way to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Financial de-risking is thus a key ingredient for unlocking the renewable energy potential in Africa. Highlights • We show how renewables are disadvantaged by today's financial practices in Africa. • We show how lower financing costs result in a higher deployment of renewables. • PV can account for 10–15% of electricity generation by 2050 without climate policy. • Changes in financing schemes could outweigh the impact of technology learning. • Financial de-risking is key for unlocking the renewable energy potential in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African continent is endowed with massive energy resources such as hydropower, solar, wind, natural gas, wave energy, and many more, yet it is the continent with the least energy supply in the world thereby resulting in a lack of sufficient energy to meet its growing energy demand. Though the continent holds 100 GW of wind capabilities, the current installed capacity as at 2018 was 5.7 GW with countries in northern Africa as well as South Africa capturing over 90% of the wind energy share on the continent. Therefore, this paper reviews the wind energy industry in Africa by identifying the current installed and potential capacity of wind energy on the continent. The challenges faced by the wind energy industry such as policy, competition, technical and economic are also reviewed. Transitions, technological innovation systems, and strategic niche management theoretical sustainability transition framework as well as proposed pathways to overcome these prevailing challenges hindering the full exploration of the wind energy sector in Africa are also highlighted in order to uplift the continent's socio-economic status. Basically, this can be achieved through the adoption of strong 'political-will' by African national governments to drive wind energy development. There is also the need for institutional frameworks to ensure the practical adoption of new wind energy technologies. Furthermore, the major benefits Africa stands to gain from investment in wind energy are enumerated by comparing with the benefits realized by other countries' economies as a result of investing in the wind energy industry. For instance, cheap electricity, job creation, industrial growth, and eco-friendly energy source. • Reviewing wind energy industry in Africa and existing challenges. • The challenges faced by African's wind energy industry can be categorized under policy, competition, technical and economic. • Framework for transiting Africa's wind energy industry from small-scale production to large-scale commercial industry.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its vast natural resources, African is facing serious challenges in sustainable development in an energy sector, if addressed with dispatch could not only check its indispensable needs, but also mitigate some global phenomenon at stake, such as desertification, environmental degradation and green house emission. This paper reviews the prospects of four major renewable energy sources-hydro, solar, wind and biomass- for each of the three leading countries in Africa namely South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria. Based on literature survey of energy efficiency, all the three countries encourage energy efficiency in varying degrees. In the course of this review, several national energy policy frameworks of these countries were looked into, especially on how African countries could overcome the persistent energy crisis in the continent by utilizing the naturally gifted renewable energy sources. This could only be achievable if proper technology, awareness and skills for harnessing the resources are provided. Also lingering energy challenges such as energy efficiency measures, needs for grid extension, energy storage technology and seasonal variation were carefully highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effect of globalization on progress toward SDG 7, with a particular focus on electricity access, renewable energy consumption, and energy intensity. Data are on 42 African countries over the 2000 – 2015 period. Findings from the fixed-effects model with the Driscoll-Kraay estimator show that overall globalization improves electricity access, while its effect on renewable energy consumption and energy intensity is insignificant. Additional findings show that economic globalization improves electricity access and energy efficiency; social globalization undermines renewable energy consumption while improving energy efficiency; political globalization increases electricity access and renewable energy consumption. Some recommendations are provided. • The contribution of globalization to the progress toward SDG 7 is investigated. • The data are based on a sample of 45 countries over the 2000–2019 period. • Globalization increases electeicity access with no relevant effects on renewable energy consumption and energy intensity. • Distinguishing between various dimensions and aspects of globalization provides more specific findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of energy transition on pollution emissions in Africa. In addition, it explores the indirect channels through which energy consumption impacts environmental quality. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses system Generalised Method of Moments approach for a panel of 51 developing African countries over the 1996–2020 period. Findings: The results show that fossil fuel and renewable energy consumption increase pollution emissions. The environment-degrading effect of renewable energy in Africa is however counter-intuitive, though the results are robust across regional economic blocks and income groups except for upper-middle-income countries where energy consumption is environment enhancing. Moreover, the results show that the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy consumption are modulated through financial development and information and communication technology (ICT) adoption, leading to respective positive net effects of 0.04460796 and 0.07682873. This is up to respective policy thresholds of 203.265 and 137.105 of financial development and ICT adoption, respectively, when the positive net effects are nullified. Practical implications: Contingent on the results, the study suggests the need for African countries to develop sound financial systems and encourage the use of green technologies, to ensure that energy transition effectively contributes to emissions reduction. Policymakers in Africa should also be aware of the critical levels of financial development and ICT, beyond which complementary policies are required for non-renewable energy consumption to maintain a negative impact on environmental degradation. Originality/value: Firstly, extant studies on the nexus between energy transition and environmental degradation in Africa are very sparse. Therefore, this study fills the existing research gap by comprehensively examining the effects of energy transition on pollution emissions across 51 African economies. Additionally, besides accounting for the direct environmental effects of energy transition, the current study accounts for the indirect channels through which the environmental impacts of energy transition are modulated. Hence, this study provides critical thresholds for the policy modulating variables, which enlighten policymakers on the necessity of designing complementary policies once the modulating variables attain the established thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to achieve shared prosperity or inclusive growth, we investigate whether increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Africa can foster sustainable development (inclusive growth). Additionally, as the region is endowed with renewable energy, we examine whether renewable energy consumption can directly enhance inclusive growth and (or) complement FDI to enhance inclusive growth. Using 30 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for 21years for the period of 2000–2020, our Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) results suggest that FDI is inclusive growth-enhancing, whereas renewable energy hampers inclusive growth. The high cost of renewable energy technologies in developing countries, such as SSA, has led to low investment in these resources, thereby explaining how renewable energy hampers inclusive growth. However, renewable energy consumption is effective in promoting the impact of FDI on inclusive growth in SSA. This is attributed to the investment opportunities in renewable energy consumption in SSA, thereby attracting foreign investors. Globally, renewable energy received about $85.2 billion in FDI in 2022, promoting job creation, revenue growth, and affordable energy access. We suggest that policymakers should attract sufficient FDI because higher levels of FDI promote inclusive growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nigeria is endowed with abundant energy resources, both conventional and renewable, which can potentially provide the country with a sufficient capacity to meet the ambitions of both urban and rural Nigerians of a full, nationwide electrification level. Yet, Nigeria has one of the lowest consumption rates of electricity per capita in Africa. With the demand superseding the generation, there is inequitable access of rural communities to the electricity service in the country. There are inherent obstacles militating against the effective implementation of an orderly energy policy in Nigeria. The inefficiencies overshadowing the allocation of energy resources coupled with the near depletion of fossil fuels, make it imperative for the country to exploit its huge natural renewable resources to avoid a worsening energy supply scenario and provide feasible electricity to rural dwellers. This paper presents a review of renewable energy potentials in Nigeria to be tapped for useful and uninterrupted electric energy supply. The extent of renewable energy resources is described and existing government policies are articulated. Various polices, that could possibly incentivize the realization of wider renewable energy applications in rural Nigeria, are proposed. The challenges and future prospects of renewable energy are also discussed. Dissemination of decentralized renewable energy resources will not only improve the wellbeing of rural Nigerian communities, but also enhance Nigeria's energy and economic prospects for potential global investment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The term "circular economy" has become more prevalent over the last decade, especially in the areas of sustainability, resource management and productivity. Globally, more national, public and private sector organizations are considering the concept in their daily operations. With growing concerns about the impacts of climate change, there are equally growing debates about curbing the impacts. One such debate is to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This paper reviewed existing literature relevant to Africa's energy transition – whether it is enabled and can be guided by the principles of a circular economy. Various journal articles and business studies published between 2009 and 2019 were reviewed using a Systematic Literature Review Process. The study found that Africa's energy demand is expected to increase significantly, and it will be driven by industrialization and population growth. Most of sub-Saharan Africa's energy supply comes from renewable energy sources, while countries such as Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa and Egypt (the Big Five) are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. The researchers concluded that a circular economy approach can enable greater renewable energy uptake and transitioning. To support and enable a sustainable energy transition, regional finance institutions such as the African Development Bank and governments, can continue to finance more scalable technologies and adopt 'intentional' regulations which are guided by circular principles and a just-transition. Although data pertaining to how the transition can be underpinned by circularity is limited, there is great opportunity for more scientific and industry research that can provide further contextualized support. • The African Development Bank will no longer finance coal projects from 2020. • Africa's Big Five economies predominantly use fossil fuels such as coal and oil. • Positive economic growth and increasing energy demand are forecasted for the continent between 2030 and 2050. • Africa can leapfrog the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources to sustainably address these forecasts. • Adopting and contextualising Circular Economy principles and models can optimise the energy transition. • However, more research is required to further unpack how this can be done across Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy continues to make inroads in Africa due to falling costs and technological advancements. Most African countries are planning, exsiccating and connecting their renewable energy projects with national grid system with giving high propriety to energy security, sustainable energy consumption and low carbon emission. Many policies have been enacted by countries to promote the scaling up of wind energy and renewable energy in particular, across the globe. However, these policies have mixed effects on the deployment of wind energy. For this purpose, current study used panel data and fixed effects model for 17 African countries with wind installed generation capacity to determine the driver of wind energy development on the African continent between 2008 and 2017. The variables were grouped into three thematic areas: policy, socioeconomic, and country-specific factors. After conducting the analysis, socioeconomic variables (GDP, CO2, energy use) and energy security variables (energy import, electricity consumption) have significant effects in determining the scaling up of wind energy in Africa. However, the policy variables of FITs, licensing during, and Tax did not have significant effects on wind energy capacity addition for the case of Africa. This study adds to the drivers of nascent wind energy deployment literature in Africa. This study suggests that set of effecitive policies are deem necessary to scale up wind energy in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of renewable energy consumption on economic growth in developing economies of Sub-Saharan Africa. To demonstrate its findings in detail, the research study adopts a panel data estimation technique for 23 African countries for the period from 1986 to 2015. The results describe that renewable energy has been playing an important role as a production input. Therefore, Sub- Saharan Africa countries need to adopt intensive promotion policies for renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]