3 June Tulpenfeld 4, DIE - H�rsaal 1519 12:00 h - 14:00 h

African Energy Policy Research Network & Heinrich Boell Foundation - East & Horn of Africa Office: How can Renewables Benefit Africa ? Renewable energy technologies can play a major role in national development in terms of job creation and income generation as well as providing an environmentally sound energy service. Compared to the conventional large-scale energy systems that require massive investments, most renewable energy technologies are available at modest capital costs. In addition, renewables are modular and are well suited for meeting decentralized rural energy demand. The modular nature (i.e. can be developed in an incremental fashion) of most renewables and the low investment levels makes them particularly suitable for capital-constrained African countries. Unfortunately, renewables have not been given due attention in national economic policy and planning in the East and Horn of Africa Region. One of the key challenges that African governments were unable to respond to was the 10% renewable energy target set at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). This study set out to quantitatively assess the contribution of renewables to the energy sector of countries in the region, and document these benefits for wider dissemination to stakeholders nationally, regionally and internationally. The findings of the study will be presented at this Side event, and are aimed at ensuring higher priority is given to the development of renewables in the region.

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