Renewable Energy is the wave of the Future and Africa is its Axis

VUKA90 Energy Technology is focused on creating an environment where Africa’s geography can contribute to renewable energy becoming a prominent, affordable, and competitive source of electricity.

VUKA90 will tap into communities to enhance the use of Reneable Energy!

Access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa is expanding, with the region’s population expected to double from 1 billion people in 2018 to over 2 billion in 2050. Researchers with the IMF forecast that demand for electricity will increase 3 percent annually.

Right now, the main sources for the region’s energy—coal, oil, and traditional biomass (wood, charcoal, and dry dung)—are associated with severe environmental and health damage. VUKA90 seeks to change this paradigm.

By integrating and designing an energy mix largely reliant on renewable energy would simultaneously support strong growth, low emissions, and ecologically sustainable development. Our role is to create an enabling environment for this to happen!

Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. For example, sunlight or wind keep shining and blowing, even if their availability depends on time and weather.

While renewable energy is often thought of as a new technology, harnessing nature’s power has long been used for heating, transportation, lighting, and more. Wind has powered boats to sail the seas and windmills to grind grain. The sun has provided warmth during the day and helped kindle fires to last into the evening. But over the past 500 years or so, humans increasingly turned to cheaper, dirtier energy sources such as coal and fracked gas.

Now that we have increasingly innovative and less-expensive ways to capture and retain wind and solar energy, renewables are becoming a more important power source. The expansion in renewables is also happening at scales large and small, from rooftop solar panels on homes that can sell power back to the grid to giant offshore wind farms. Even some entire rural communities rely on renewable energy for heating and lighting.

As renewable use continues to grow, a key goal will be to modernize Africa’s electricity grid, making it smarter, more secure, and better integrated across regions.

Understanding Energy

Renewable power is booming, as innovation brings down costs and starts to deliver on the promise of a clean energy future. American solar and wind generation are breaking records and being integrated into the national electricity grid without compromising reliability. This means that renewables are increasingly displacing “dirty” fossil fuels in the power sector, offering the benefit of lower emissions of carbon and other types of pollution. But not all sources of energy marketed as “renewable” are beneficial to the environment. Biomass and large hydroelectric dams create difficult tradeoffs when considering the impact on wildlife, climate change, and other issues. Here’s what you should know about the different types of renewable energy sources—and how these emerging technologies will affect your own home.

Dirty Energy

Nonrenewable, or “dirty,” energy includes fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. Nonrenewable sources of energy are only available in limited amounts and take a long time to replenish. When we pump gas at the station, we’re using a finite resource refined from crude oil that’s been around since prehistoric times.

Nonrenewable energy sources are also typically found in specific parts of the world, making them more plentiful in some nations than others. By contrast, every country has access to sunshine and wind. Prioritizing nonrenewable energy can also improve national security by reducing a country’s reliance on exports from fossil fuel–rich nations.

Many nonrenewable energy sources can endanger the environment or human health. For example, oil drilling might require strip-mining Canada’s boreal forest, the technology associated with fracking can cause earthquakes and water pollution, and coal power plants foul the air. To top it off, all these activities contribute to global warming.

Solar Energy

Humans have been harnessing solar energy for thousands of years—to grow crops, stay warm, and dry foods. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “more energy from the sun falls on the earth in one hour than is used by everyone in the world in one year.” Today, we use the sun’s rays in many ways—to heat homes and businesses, to warm water, or power devices. Solar, or photovoltaic (PV), cells are made from silicon or other materials that transform sunlight directly into electricity. Distributed solar systems generate electricity locally for homes and businesses, either through rooftop panels or community projects that power entire neighborhoods. Solar farms can generate power for thousands of homes, using mirrors to concentrate sunlight across acres of solar cells. Floating solar farms—or “floatovoltaics”—can be an effective use of wastewater facilities and bodies of water that aren’t ecologically sensitive. Solar energy systems don’t produce air pollutants or greenhouse gases, and as long as they are responsibly sited, most solar panels have few environmental impacts beyond the manufacturing process.

Wind Energy

We’ve come a long way from old-fashioned wind mills. Today, turbines as tall as skyscrapers—with turbines nearly as wide in diameter—stand at attention around the world. Wind energy turns a turbine’s blades, which feeds an electric generator and produces electricity. Wind, which accounts for a little more than 6 percent of generation, has become the cheapest energy source in many parts of the world. Turbines can be placed anywhere with high wind speeds—such as hilltops and open plains—or even offshore in open water. In Kenya Wind Energy is used to generate energy although the scope is low. This technology is ripe for expansion not only in Kenya but the rest of Africa.

Hydroelectric Power

Hydropower is the largest renewable energy source for electricity in the world, though wind energy is soon expected to take over the lead. Hydropower relies on water—typically fast-moving water in a large river or rapidly descending water from a high point—and converts the force of that water into electricity by spinning a generator’s turbine blades. Internationally, large hydroelectric plants—or mega-dams—are often considered to be nonrenewable energy. Mega-dams divert and reduce natural flows, restricting access for animal and human populations that rely on rivers. Small hydroelectric plants (an installed capacity below about 40 megawatts), carefully managed, do not tend to cause as much environmental damage, as they divert only a fraction of flow.

Biomass Energy

Biomass is organic material that comes from plants and animals, and includes crops, waste wood, and trees. When biomass is burned, the chemical energy is released as heat and can generate electricity with a steam turbine.

Biomass is often mistakenly described as a clean, renewable fuel and a greener alternative to coal and other fossil fuels for producing electricity. However, recent science shows that many forms of biomass—especially from forests—produce higher carbon emissions than fossil fuels. There are also negative consequences for biodiversity. Still, some forms of biomass energy could serve as a low-carbon option under the right circumstances. For example, sawdust and chips from sawmills that would otherwise quickly decompose and release carbon can be a low-carbon energy source.

Geothermal Energy

If you’ve ever relaxed in a hot spring, you’ve used geothermal energy. The earth’s core is about as hot as the sun’s surface, due to the slow decay of radioactive particles in rocks at the center of the planet. Drilling deep wells brings very hot underground water to the surface as a hydrothermal resource, which is then pumped through a turbine to create electricity. Geothermal plants typically have low emissions if they pump the steam and water they use back into the reservoir. There are ways to create geothermal plants where there are not underground reservoirs, but there are concerns that they may increase the risk of an earthquake in areas already considered geological hot spots.

Ocean Energy

Tidal and wave energy is still in a developmental phase, but the ocean will always be ruled by the moon’s gravity, which makes harnessing its power an attractive option. Some tidal energy approaches may harm wildlife, such as tidal barrages, which work much like dams and are located in an ocean bay or lagoon. Like tidal power, wave power relies on dam-like structures or ocean floor–anchored devices on or just below the water’s surface.

OUR STRATEGY: Advocating for renewables, or using them in our homes and economies in Africa can accelerate the transition toward a clean energy future. In rural Africa the adoption of Solar Energy has been successful as a stand-alone solution for domestic consumption of power. It is now very easy to get and install solar panels that provide a clean energy source. The VUKA90 Eneregy Program aims to create an environment where clients can purchase renewable energy certificates to offset your use.

VUKA90 Renewable Energy

STRATEGY

Not too long ago, when the idea of solar and wind energy was still hotly debated, critics used to point out the limitations of these energy sources: the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow. But nowadays many countries’ electricity grids are strongly supplied by renewable energy.

The challenge in creating flexible, reliable and affordable energy supply systems with renewables lies in the very different circumstances across countries and regions. Planning and expanding renewable power must consider countries’ local resources and their existing and planned infrastructure. This becomes even more interesting for countries trying to grow their grids and expand their renewables at the same time – like many in sub-Saharan Africa.

VUKA90 works to enhance technologies that have the flexibility to complement solar and wind power production is hydropower. It can be used as a constant source of electricity, but also compensate for fluctuations in other sources. But it does need to be properly planned and managed if it’s to be sustainable.

Since power generation infrastructure lasts for 30 to 50 years, decisions taken today will to a large extent determine whether governments can meet their climate targets.

Across Africa, many countries grapple with the challenge of rising electricity demand. At the same time, climate change impacts, mostly caused by fossil fuel combustion, are having a heavy impact on the region’s weather patterns and potentially agricultural yields.
TECHNOLOGIES

The VUKA90 research shows that combining sustainably managed hydropower plants with new solar and wind power projects is a promising option for the entire African continent. It could minimize the use of fossil fuels and their negative climate change impacts as the region seeks to expand access to affordable electricity.

Countries in Africa have different renewable energy potentials. Solar potential exists nearly everywhere. Wind potential is strongest along coastal areas and in the northern, drier part of the region. Hydropower potential is mostly concentrated in the southern part of the region, which receives the most rainfall.

Many countries already use large hydropower plants and many new dams are in the planning. Solar and wind power are more recent additions.

Cross-border electricity trade could make better use of all this hydropower, coupled with solar and wind. A common power pool, allowing countries to share their resources, could increase reliable, renewable power supply by as much as 60%, according to our research.

Our approach advocates the use of all renewable energy technologies as a way of providing sustainable power to a growing continent. Hydro, Solar, Wind, Geothermal and Biomass will provide the platform that will ensure that Africa's power needs are met both now and in the future!
Opportunities

the world’s shift toward renewable energy and clean energy technologies will provoke a precipitous reduction in global demand for hydrocarbon fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Given that nearly 50 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s export value is composed of fossil fuels, the global energy transition may have profound effects on its economies.

While the African continent as a whole is poised to prosper from shifting exports to mineral energy materials (MEMs) such as nickel, copper, and cobalt, these changes in global demand might be more disruptive to the region’s oil-dependent countries. Exporting natural resources generates a significant source of government revenue for sub-Saharan Africa countries, such that natural gas, crude oil, and metals derive, on average, approximately 25 percent of the region’s government revenue.

As renewable and clean energy technologies become more affordable and implementable, meeting the evolving global demand for MEMs will mediate the ability of sub-Saharan African economies to adapt to such a colossal economic disruption. Based on analysis, sub-Saharan Africa economies have a comparative advantage relative to the rest of the world that provides them with a promising position to benefit from a global shift to renewable and clean energy technologies that rely heavily on MEMs.

More specifically, looking forward there is growth potential for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (cobalt) and Zimbabwe and Cote d’Ivoire (nickel and copper). There is still a feeling that in the short and medium terms, fossil fuels may remain an enduring source of government revenue. Nonetheless,VUKA90 is working to advocate a shift in policy that will in the long run steer countries to anticipate a permanent decline in fossil fuel demand as the global energy transition develops.

Creating Opportunities

OUR APPROACH

While wind and solar have become increasingly cost-competitive, the implementation of renewable energy in Africa continues to lag behind much of the rest of the world. Solar and wind together constituted 3 percent of Africa’s generated electricity in 2018, versus 7 percent in other regions of the world.

THE PREMISE: Technological advances in energy storage have mitigated supply fluctuation issues with renewable energy and bolstered its reliability. Financing renewable energy in Africa is now the most significant challenge. A new fossil fuel plant which Africa is currently reliant on are chaper to install but very expensive to run. With renewable energy the installation costs are high but are inexpensive to operate. This high upfront cost of renewable energy necessitates greater capital expenditure.

THE SOLUTION: To roll out these projects in a sustainable manner, African countries must “mobilize public, private, and multilateral and bilateral donor financing to raise funds” for renewable energy infrastructure projects to mitigate the expensive upfront costs. These partnerships will finance renewable energy infrastructure development and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon energy economy in Africa.

VUKA90 Advocacy is Focused on use of Reneable Energy!

In January 2020, VUKA90 Energy started to work towrds engaging key sector players in renewable energy from around the world to create an environment that will promote the wider and faster uptake of renewable energy technologies.

Our focus is the have Africa included in picture when it comes to discussing industry trends, determine actions, share knowledge and exchange best practices with the vision to drive the global energy transition in line with the Sustainable Development Goal on energy.

Our mission is to foster dialogue amongst non-governmental and governmental stakeholders to develop actions to increasing the share of renewables in the global energy mix. We have developed a six point approach to enhance renewable energy uptake in Africa through a multi-sector approach.

Advocacy Activities

Business & Investors

Engages in activities that address barriers to scaling up renewable energy investments in both emerging and more mature markets. Building on its white paper on this topic, the Group conducts country-specific work in high-potential markets through expert webinars, country papers and public-private dialogues and puts forward key recommendations to policy makers.

Community Energy

Focuses on driving community energy investments and promoting policies that empower communities and citizens to participate in energy decision-making. Following the launch of its latest white paper on best practices in community energy, the Group continues to develop actionable insights and engage with stakeholders to scale up community energy initiatives around the world.

Decarbonising End-Use Sectors

Examines the decarbonisation of end-use sectors from the perspectives of policy, innovation, technology, socioeconomics and institutions, among others. The Group developed best practices and policy recommendations for green hydrogen (hydrogen from renewable resources) and is currently undertaking work on green hydrogen certification.

Renewables in Agriculture

Analyses the opportunities and benefits of renewable energy solutions for agriculture in jointly advancing food security transformations and energy transitions. Following a joint statement for the UN Food Systems Summit to collectively rethink and readjust the production and consumption of food and energy, the Group provides actionable insights and engages with stakeholders to scale up projects integrating renewable energy in agriculture worldwide.

Sustainable Energy Jobs

Address knowledge gaps in sustainable energy jobs and provides analysis showcasing the energy transition’s ability to increase overall employment and benefit local economies where the necessary policies are in place. The object is to build capacity through knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices for a just and inclusive energy transition. This will interm bring the community into renewable energy mindset

Towards 2030

Explores the roles of key actors, sectors and scenarios in energy transitions across the world. There is a need to look at ways to assist in governments, utilities and industry transitioning towards 100% renewable energy and is currently focusing on the benefits and opportunities of sector coupling in accelerating the global energy transformation. The vision is to see an Africa embracing renewable energy by the year 2030.

The Journey Begins

Our journey of the Tokenization of Renewable Energy has began. Talk to us today about how you can get involoved

VUKA90™ Energy, is the innovative Renewable Energy platform built for enhancing access to Energy in Africa. Powered by a robust blockchain system, VUKA90 provides for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable energy tapping ecosystem. VUKA90 is charting the path towards a more efficient way of working for governmental. non-govermental and energy sector stakeholders to adopt new technologies that will ultimately reduce the cost for consumer both now and in the future. #CleanEnergyAfrica

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OUR CALLING:The VUKA90 Platform is designed to grow and provide communities of and for individuals and organizations who are working, or interested in working, to advance improved communities through policy, programmatic, and public advocacy at national and subnational levels in the Commodities and Energy sectors. Intended to be a sharing, learning, and incubation forum, VUKA90 Advocacy Working Group strives to bring EQUITY.VALUE.MONEY to more people into the income generation fold, linking and connecting with established organisations to find cross-cutting solutions for the promotion of broader Wealth creation by leveraging technology in Essential Commodities and Renewable Energy. As a multi-stakeholder partnership, the VUKA90 can add value by convening partners to strengthen common messaging and coordinate strategies and activities to propel this movement forward. It can help bring together more champions, technical partners, and experts; bridge advocacy efforts between the country and global levels; and leverage planned processes and events as appropriate. VUKA90 provides opportunities for members to promote evidence-based systems to improve livlihoods. The VUKA90 Advocacy and Consultancy Working Group System leads a coordinated advocacy, outreach, and communications effort at the global and regional levels to support a joint advocacy strategy for the introduction and scale-up of financial inclusion interventions within the two key sectors of Commodities and Energy systems. The VUKA90 Advocacy and Consultancy Working Group provides opportunities for communities to learn, collaborate, and align around common advocacy strategies, practices, and targets. Two workstreams provide opportunities for members to engage in efforts to increase the awareness of and support for #GenerationalWealth by institutions and sectors that can contribute to advancing greater access to resources that positively impact communities at global, national, and subnational levels