Over 200 energy efficiency professionals from nearly 20 countries have gathered in Accra, the capital of Ghana, for a three-day training hosted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to share experiences on how energy efficiency can enhance Africa’s energy security.
Co-hosted by Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union Energy Commission (AFREC), the training marks a key milestone in the IEA’s growing collaboration with African countries on energy efficiency.
The event brought together policymakers and energy professionals from across the continent to exchange expertise on energy efficiency policies and explore how efficiency can contribute to energy security, affordability, and sustainability in emerging and developing economies.
“Delivering energy efficiency progress in Africa is the fastest and most affordable way to expand energy access, strengthen economies, and build a sustainable energy future for all across the continent,” said Brian Motherway, Head of the IEA’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Inclusive Transitions.
“The IEA has worked closely with countries across Africa to develop the expertise required for effective policymaking on energy efficiency. These training weeks help strengthen that knowledge base among countries and sustain momentum in this critical area,” he added.
Ghana serves as a leading example in Africa for advancing ambitious energy efficiency policies. It was among the first countries to ban second-hand appliances and restrict the import of products that fail to meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards, thereby preventing the inflow of outdated and inefficient technologies.
Complementing these efforts, Ghana has introduced comprehensive measures to promote clean cooking and e-mobility—addressing energy access challenges and supporting electrification.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, highlighted the progress the country has made, stating that through various initiatives, Ghana has saved 400 GWh of electricity, reduced peak load by 124 MW through efficient lighting, and saved 1.6 million tonnes of firewood annually through the use of improved cookstoves.
According to him, these milestones demonstrate that targeted energy efficiency policies can deliver lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits.
“Energy efficiency is a central pillar in Ghana’s Mission 300 Energy Compact, complementing renewable energy expansion by reducing overall demand, improving system reliability, and maximizing the value of every unit of energy produced,” said Jinapor.
“The Training Week provides a unique opportunity for policymakers, energy efficiency practitioners, experts, and learners to exchange knowledge, ideas, and practical tools to accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency policies across the continent.”
Since 2015, the IEA has convened 20 Training Weeks, engaging more than 3,000 energy efficiency professionals and contributing to the development of over 1,000 new energy efficiency policies in participating countries.
The Training Weeks form part of the IEA’s Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies Programme and are funded through the Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. These events aim to build a community of experts to ensure that energy efficiency remains a key component of national energy strategies.
Discover more from Energy News Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.