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| GWEC Creates Africa WindPower to Accelerate Africa’s Energy Transition The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has launched Africa WindPower ("AWP") to address a clear need for a regional body representing the wind industry. AWP offers a platform for dialogue between Africa's wind industry and government stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of scaling up and accelerating wind project development and deployment across the entire African continent. With sufficient investment appetite already in place, the development of fit-for-purpose government policy and regulation for the energy transition is necessary to unlock private investment from both within and outside of the continent. Despite an early start for wind energy in Africa, wind energy deployment has often been held back as fossil fuel generation sources such as natural gas continue to make inroads in some markets, and coal, heavy fuel oil, and diesel remain a large part of the energy mix. A recent report commissioned by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) shows that Africa has 59,000 GW of technical onshore and offshore wind potential, enough to meet the continent's energy demand 250 times over. Building out wind farms that utilize Africa's vast wind resource will drive investment, create clean energy jobs and critical infrastructure, and help support thriving local economies in line with the region's Sustainable Development Goals. The time for a wind-powered Africa has come; Africa WindPower is here to help make it happen. That message is supported by many entities including the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the World Bank Group's IFC, African Ministries of Energy and National Utilities, National Associations, leading wind energy companies, local wind developers and investors, community leaders and youth climate activists. They've joined forces to deliver the message that the time for wind energy for Africa has come. GWEC's latest data shows that Africa is only tapping into 0.01 per cent of its wind resource, with over 7 GW of installed capacity as of the end of 2020, led by South Africa. Current installed wind energy capacity in Africa helps to avoid 10.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually – equivalent to taking 2.3 million passenger cars off the road. Africa WindPower is supported by GET.invest, a European programme which aims to mobilise investment in renewable energy, supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria. About Africa WindPower GWEC's Africa WindPower is an Africa-based initiative focused on the promotion of zero carbon, cost competitive, wind energy across the African Continent, with the ability to draw upon the expertise and knowledge of the global wind energy industry. Africa WindPower combines the expertise and knowledge of the global wind industry with 'on the ground' experience and know-how in the region, working closely with Africa's leading wind energy companies, governments, national utilities and associations. GWEC's Africa WindPower team is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is supported by GET.invest, a European programme which aims to mobilise investment in decentralised renewable energy, supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Austria. write your comments about the article :: © 2021 Exhibition News :: home page |