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Increasing use of renewable energy in SADC

THE SADC region is blessed with numerous renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, gas and wind, which if fully exploited and utilized could address the energy situation in the region.

 The African Development Bank estimates that the total hydropower potential in SADC countries is estimated at about 1,080 terawatt hours per year (TWh/year) but capacity being utilised at present is just under 31 TWh/year. A terawatt is equal to one million megawatts (MW).

Thus the SADC energy ministers have approved the establishment of the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) to spearhead the promotion of renewable energy development in the region.

The centre, to be based in Namibia, is expected to contribute substantially to the development of regional renewable energy and energy efficiency markets through knowledge-sharing and technical advice on policy and regulation, technology cooperation, and capacity development, as well as investment promotion.

An increase in the uptake of renewables will allow the region to achieve a renewable energy mix of at least 32 percent by 2020, which should rise to 35 percent by 2030. Currently, SADC generates about 74 percent of its electricity from thermal stations.