Study on Renewable Energy and Research and Innovation Capacity of Sub-Saharan Africa

In association with Ecorys and RaL, IED conducted a study for DG Research and Innovation on Renewable Energy and Research & Innovation Capacity of Sub-Saharan Africa . The study took place in the period December 2013 – June 2015.

Objective
The objective of this study is to generate the information needed to enable the formulation of a clear answer to the question whether and how to launch a research and innovation programme related to Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)  energy needs and Renewable Energy  potential, that would be equitable and beneficial for both the EU and the Sub-Saharan region, in the area of renewable energy.

Recommendations
EU-SSA research cooperation in this area can contribute substantially to medium- to long-term renewable energy take-up in the region. It can also strengthen the market position of EU players in areas where they are strong and globally competitive. RET-specific research themes have thereto been proposed, including traditional and advanced bioenergy (biofuels, biogas, bioenergy value chains), various solar technologies (PV, solar heating and cooling, CSP), small-scale hydro and geothermal energy. Transversal research topics proposed include support to research infrastructures, resource mapping and assessment, impact assessment, innovative SMEs and grid improvements (including energy supply modelling and smart hybrid mini-grids).

Evidently, the right sequencing of these research themes is crucial. It is recommended that the initial focus is on dedicated SSA capacity building (including enhanced mobility of researchers), accompanied by selected participation in mainstream research cooperation (e.g. in CSP) and targeted EU development and bilateral cooperation in complementary areas. In the medium-term, dedicated EU-SSA research cooperation (e.g. a H2020 Africa call) could focus on bioenergy. Such an initiative would need to build on e.g. a Technical network on Bioenergy. In the longer term, this would strengthen the potential of the SSA-region to participate in mainstream research cooperation as well.

More information:

Click here to download the Abstract of the report
Click here to download the Executive Summary of the report

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