By:Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC), Ghana
“Research is the foundation for innovation, and innovation is the future of energy.” Bill Gates
I participated in a key panel discussion convened under the all-important theme “Innovation, Research, and Development in Africa’s Energy Systems” at the Future of Energy Conference organized by the @Africa Centre for Energy Policy”.
During this crucial dialogue, I emphasized the urgent need for Africa to adopt a comprehensive and tailored approach to energy transition.
Drawing on China’s strategy of leveraging all available energy solutions—from their expansive solar installations to significant coal capacities—I highlighted the importance of focussing on industrialization and ensuring energy security alongside the transition.
I challenged the notion that Africa’s relatively low carbon emissions justify complacency or exclusion from the global energy transition.
With 51% of our emissions coming from the transport sector, I underscored the critical need for innovative solutions to reduce our carbon footprint.
Hydrogen offers promising potential, yet challenges related to transportation and storage must be addressed.
Similarly, geothermal energy, which employs drilling techniques akin to those in oil and gas, remains underexplored in West Africa—an issue I left our energy commission to ponder on.
I also questioned why hydropower is often overlooked in renewable energy discussions and emphasized the need to develop smart grid infrastructure to minimize transmission losses as we expand solar and other renewable investments.
Contrary to fears that the energy transition will eliminate jobs, I argued that it will transform them.
I advocated for our educational curriculum to be revamped to equip students with the hands-on skills required for the evolving energy sector.
The example of petroleum engineers in the Middle East being retrained to install solar panels is a case in point.
It is disheartening to see our brightest engineers leaving the continent. Adapting our curricula to include emerging technologies like AI is crucial.
I also punctuated the need for robust investment in research and development, particularly in renewable energy, and called for governments to intentionally support businesses that are building technologies in Africa, reducing dependency on imports.
Finally, I accentuated the importance of creating favourable policies that encourage the growth of startups and the development of skilled professionals.
I was honoured to contribute to this critical discourse with other key industry professionals. My immense gratitude to African Centre for Energy Policy for creating a platform for key discussions such as these to take place.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com