LONDON: Energy is at the heart of development and an essential prerequisite for economic growth and reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Meeting growing energy needs will be one of the main challenges of the 21st century. Access to reliable and sustainable energy supplies is a major challenge both for Africa and Europe, Global Arab Network reports according to a press statement. The overall objectives of the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) stress dialogue on energy access and energy security, improved access to reliable, secure, affordable, climate friendly and sustainable energy services for both continents and increased energy infrastructure investments, including the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. In many countries in Africa, less than 10 percent of rural populations have access to electricity. The majority of African households still depend on traditional methods of wood or charcoal use for cooking, thus suffering from health problems induced by indoor air pollution. Many schools and clinics in rural Africa lack modern energy services. Renewable energy is emerging as a fundamental requirement for addressing the challenges posed not only by climate change, but also by the need to increase economic growth. There were over 580 million Africans who were without access to electricity in 2008. Only 12 percent of Africa's hydropower potential is currently exploited, compared with 70 percent in Europe, and there are many opportunities for solar, wind and geothermal energy. Africa needs substantial investments in energy infrastructure to sustain its economic development and to reach the MDGs. This can only be achieved by creating conducive and reliable regulatory frameworks for attracting more private investment to the energy sector. The partnership is committed to scaling up investments and to mobilizing private capital. Diversification of energy supplies, with more use of local (often renewable) energy sources, in combination with increased regional power trade, is the main tool to increase energy security, which is crucial for both continents. BM
