Clean Renewable Energy for Africa
The future of Africa’s industrialization depends on clean, renewable energy. In a recent interview with VOA’s Paul Ndiho, Erik Granskog, Founder and CEO of Milele Energy, highlighted the crucial role of renewable energy in Africa’s industrial future.
“Everything is powered by electricity,” Granskog explained, emphasizing the need for reliable and sustainable energy sources to drive development across various sectors.
Last month, the U.S. and Kenya established a Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership in a move of global significance. This collaboration, focusing on clean energy deployment and green industrialization, reflects Kenya’s leadership in renewable energy and the U.S.’s commitment to sustainability. “The partnership aims to guide both nations towards a new green trajectory, promoting sustainable and prosperous development.”
Milele Energy, a key player in Africa’s renewable energy landscape, actively invests in clean energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa. It holds a substantial stake in the Lake Turkana Wind project in Kenya, the largest wind project on the continent. “We cover Africa, developing, implementing, financing, and operating independent power projects. We have a 20% to 25% stake in the Lake Turkana Wind project and are working to expand it by adding solar, wind, and battery storage for green industrialization,” said Granskog.
The Necessity of Reliable Energy: The importance of reliable energy cannot be overstated. “You need electricity for everything, whether it’s e-mobility, data centers, hospitals, or manufacturing. The big issue is not just generation but also transmission,” Granskog explained.
Kenya’s initiatives to create independent transmission lines are a significant step forward in ensuring a reliable grid for industrial activities. “Seeing that Kenya is looking at an independent transmission program is a big step forward in ensuring the grid is reliable.” Reliable energy is paramount for setting up manufacturing facilities, whether for pharmaceuticals, green steel, or other types of refining. “Without reliability, cost doesn’t matter,” he added.
Africa’s Potential and Challenges Granskog highlighted Africa’s potential, which is driven by its youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit, and growth aspirations. “In Kenya and other parts of Africa, a highly educated workforce is underemployed. We need jobs that create value, whether it’s building, creating, refining, or any value-added activities,” he emphasized.
Despite the potential, energy issues are a pressing concern across the continent, demanding immediate attention and action.
Milele Energy aims to address these challenges. “We have a project in Sierra Leone expected to close next month with support from the U.S. government. With $412 million in finance and insurance support, that project will generate 60% of the country’s electricity and lower costs,”
The argument for clean, renewable energy in Africa is compelling. It is not just about environmental sustainability but also about driving economic growth and industrialization. With strategic investments and partnerships, Africa can harness its renewable energy potential for sustainable and prosperous development.
Ndiho Media,LLC. 