Potential der erneuerbaren Energien für Entwicklungsländer

Abgesehen von ihrem ökologischen Nutzen besitzen erneuerbare Energien das Potential, in Entwicklungsländern für mehr Sicherheit und wirtschaftliche Stabilität sorgen. Diese Meinung vertraten Diskussionsteilnehmer bei einer gemeinsamen Konferenz der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung und des East-West-Institutes in Brüssel. 

Moreover, a continuation of the current energy policy, relying on the extensive use of hydrocarbons, could lead to environmental catastrophes, which will dangerously affect the poorest countries, said Ortwin Hennig from the East-West Institute. 

The panellists, addressing the renewable energy issue in relation with its potential for developing countries, outlined that the biggest constraint on the development of renewable energies in developing countries was the costs involved. A support for the initial investment is required. 

The EU has set up two frameworks of actions in this field: The ACP-EU Energy facility which co-funding energy-related projects and the COOPENER programme. The latter is aiming to strengthen local capabilities to use sustainable energy. In addition, the EU Infrastructure Trust Fund for Africa includes a section dedicated to enable access to sustainable energy services. 

The potential of developing countries in the area of renewable energy has already been proved in concrete terms: the ‚Inga Dams‘, which are hydro-electric dams built on the Inga Falls in the Democratic Republic of Congo should be able to provide electricity to almost the entire continent, noted Commissioner Andris Pielbags. Brazil’s biofuels experience is another example demonstrating the great potential for modern biomass in tropical countries. 

The link between renewable energy and socio-economic development is clear – the promotion of renewable energy needs to be addressed on a global scale and global leaders need to prove a political will and work together to change the behavior of the energy sector, and to devise pricing and investment incentives, the panellists concluded. 

To acess the full report of the conference on Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s website click here.