Africa must exploit coal reserves

There is no shortage of hydropower plants in Africa. However, many of these plants are unable to keep up with rapid population growth and the attendant increases in demand. Furthermore, they are prone to frequent drought, which reduces their output significantly, leaving many as little more than decorative infrastructure landmarks.

Other resources like fuel oil, diesel, light crude, solar, and gas are also available as means of electricity generation, but their costs are too high.
These factors make a good argument for coal as a cheap alternative source for Africa’s power.
Coal has historically played a crucial role as a source of energy worldwide, and has several important advantages over other fossil fuels.

First is its relative abundance. The current level of proven coal reserves worldwide stands at roughly 850 billion tons. Africa has about 50 billion tons. It is also more widely distributed geographically than any other fossil fuel.

Worldwide energy demand has increased by more than 50 per cent since 1980, and is expected to grow annually by 1.6 per cent between now and 2030.

More than 70 per cent of this new demand will come from developing countries, with fossil fuels projected to account for about 80 per cent of total energy demand by the end of this period. Much of the future increases in coal-fired electricity generation will come from strategically important developing countries like China and India.

Africa’s mineral-rich countries must exploit their abundant natural resources. They must use coal to advance their economic development.

Business Daily Africa