Seeds of Opportunity: The African Growth Series
December 2021 | Issue 1
In this week's issue, you will learn more about:
- The Energy storage solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Developments in South Africa's Built Environment.
Energy Storage Solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa
Energy demand remains a key challenge in the sub-Saharan Africa, with the majority of countries registering an electrification rate of between 30-60%. Grid extension and densification is the least cost option for nearly 45% of the population gaining access by 2030, mini-grids for 30% and stand-alone systems for around a quarter. Electricity demand in Africa today is 700 terawatt-hours (TWh), with the North African economies and South Africa accounting for over 70% of the total. Yet, it is the other sub-Saharan Africa countries that see the fastest growth to 2040. Renewables play a leading role in meeting this demand but are constrained by their operational limitations and would therefore require a back-up energy storage solution. To date, the continent with the richest solar resources in the world has installed only 5 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV, less than 1% of the global total. However, Africa’s vast renewables resources and falling technology costs drive double-digit growth in deployment of utility-scale and distributed solar photovoltaics (PV), and other renewables, across the continent. Africa has the opportunity to pursue a much less carbon-intensive model of development than seen in many other parts of the world.
Developments in South Africa's Built Environment
Property developers in South Africa continue to push the limits one step further, creating exciting opportunities in the country’s cities. Urban planning in Johannesburg recently has been geared in part towards creating green and affordable residential and mixed-use business areas. The inland city has also been integrating more open water developments like lagoons. Balwin Properties is among those making beachside living a reality. As part of its Munyaka development based in Waterfall, Midrand, Balwin will construct the largest Crystal Lagoon in the southern hemisphere. The size of the lagoon is more than seven rugby fields and is expected to be completed in October 2022. However, overall developments at Munyaka will be completed in 2028, through a phased approach. This development forms part of the greater vision by the developer to create eco-states that can be purchased by various income groups. Other exciting developments by Balwin Properties include the Greater Thaba development, which will include amenities like school, open parks, running and biking trails, value retail, and a filling station amongst others. Through this development and others, urban planning in South Africa is booming, helping to meet the growing population.
To find out more about opportunities in Africa, please contact Lynne Martin.
