This collection aims to provide a reference for policy makers and practitioners working to scale up bioenergy in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Energy, agriculture, forestry, environment, finance and business experts all seek for solutions to provide energy and also enhance food security, social welfare and environmental sustainability.

This study reviews the bioenergy potential from sugarcane and associated development costs in seven sugar-producing countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), aiming to provide a foundation for more detailed country-level studies exploring practical potential.

The report highlights the main challenges and way forward to adapt the broader UNFC specifications and guidelines to geothermal energy resources.

Mauritania possesses significant renewable energy resources, which could be developed to strengthen the economy and improve access to energy. Solar and wind energy technologies are well suited for integration into the country’s existing network of mini-grids, according to this Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

This report presents the status of renewable energy employment, both by technology and in selected countries, over the past year. In this fourth edition, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) finds that renewable energy employed 9.8 million people around the world in 2016 – a 1.1% increase over 2015.

The RRA report presents clear and practical steps to maximise the country’s use of renewables in driving sustainable socio-economic growth.

This report provides a region-wide pre-feasibility assessment of solar and wind opportunities in West Africa, for both grid connected and off-grid systems.

East and Southern African countries possess vast potential for renewable energy development. This report assesses the prospects for the power sector in the countries of the ACEC through 2040.

This study aims to estimate the potential for sustainable bioenergy production in Africa through such systems, based on the evaluation of yields for 15 short-rotation woody crops.

The report lays out a pathway to a renewable-based energy system and shows that the transition promises substantial gains in GDP, employment, and human welfare in each region of the African continent.

Ghana has one of Africa’s highest rates of access to electricity. In 2014 this was estimated at 72%, with over 87% in urban areas and nearly 50% in rural areas. The country also exports power to its neighbours, Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso. The Ghanaian power industry is unbundled, comprising generation utilities, transmission and distribution companies, and independent power producers.

This report offers detailed estimates of the biomass resource potential in Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. With conversion to advanced liquid biofuels, sustainable biomass feedstock could potentially meet or exceed the five countries’ combined fuel needs for transport in 2050, according IRENA estimates.

A Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) identifies the actions needed to overcome a country’s barriers to renewable energy deployment, with IRENA providing technical support and expertise to facilitate consultations among different national stakeholders.

The study defines a trajectory to 2030 based on current government policies and plans and identifies the options for additional renewables deployment by energy-use sector and technology.

This report advises the country’s energy planners to explore different renewable energy policy assumptions and investment scenarios, taking into account the latest studies on resource potential and technology costs.

Senegal is very committed to renewables, with an articulated institutional and policy framework. It is one of the first countries to pass a renewable energy law in West Africa. Senegal is home to the first Solar PV module manufacturing in West Africa, with a yearly capacity of 25 MW.

A Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) identifies the actions needed to overcome a country’s barriers to renewable energy deployment, with IRENA providing technical support and expertise to facilitate consultations among different national stakeholders.

This joint report by RES4AFRICA, IRENA and UNECA calls for enhanced co-operation to accelerate SDGs in Africa and support a just and inclusive energy transition.

The East African Rift region holds significant geothermal potential. This report offers recommendations to fast-track regional geothermal energy development.

The historic Paris climate agreement, adopted by countries around the world in December 2015, aims to the rise of global temperature well below 2 degrees Celsius. Renewable energy will play a key role in this effort, which encompasses developing as well as developed countries, by increasing the supply of cheap and accessible energy in a less carbon-intensive manner.

Djibouti faces critical challenges with power generation and distribution. Heavy reliance on fossil-fuel imports keeps the country exposed to price volatility, constraining economic development plans. But significant geothermal, wind and solar energy resources could be developed to extend reliable electricity supply throughout the country, meeting the twin concerns of energy access and energy security.

Sustainable biofuels have an important role to play in Africa’s development. Sugarcane bioethanol is currently the most cost-effective commercial biofuel and has the highest energy balance.

This report explores potential for urban communities to scale-up renewables by 2030, based on estimated energy use 3,649 cities around the world. By highlighting the best practices, it examines the policies and technologies by which cities can bring about a renewable energy future.

This field guide presents various methodologies for estimating biogas capacity, production and consumption. Such information can be integrated into national censuses, household surveys and energy surveys.

This report highlights the role of islands in global efforts against climate change. It highlights transitions to renewables in the power, including planning and implementation, enabling business models and transition tools.