Africa is at the heart of French energy solutions provider EDF’s ambition to triple its activity outside Europe, as well as double its renewable-energy capacity globally by 2030; however, there are various challenges facing the continent, and the company aims to help address these through its development strategy.

EDF senior VP for Africa Valérie Levkov explains to Engineering News that, in addressing Africa’s energy challenges so that the continent becomes competitive and carbon free, EDF could assist in improving sustainable economic development, while also tackling climate change.

This, she adds, can be done through the provision of a “full spectrum of energy solutions”, which can range from centralised power supply and power plants to decentralised and off-grid and energy efficiency solutions – all of which EDF aims to deliver on the continent.

However, she warns that each country has its own particular needs – financing capabilities and natural resources.

As an example, she cites wind energy as an appropriate solution for South Africa, whereas a biomass solution would be more suitable for a country such as Côte d’Ivoire, given its biomass potential.

Considering that EDF’s development in Africa is based on sustainable partnerships with local African businesses, Levkov highlights that the continent has seen “a huge movement” in startup developments.

Partnering local businesses, which includes companies of all sizes, as well as governments, supports both EDF’s ambitions and economic development in African countries.

Levkov points to the competitiveness of renewable energy as a solution to Africa’s energy woes, stating that renewable-energy solutions bring value to a country and the continent as a whole by contributing to lower costs.

Keeping in mind that many African countries are deeply indebted, she points out that renewable-energy projects that are financed through the private sector will free up government funds, which can then be diverted to infrastructure development or education instead, as an example.

Levkov further suggests that African countries strongly consider biomass projects in the renewables space, adding that, on average, one biomass project can create up to 1 000 jobs in a rural region when taking into account the biomass supply chain.

“This is a very good example of the circular economy, where you bring in a lot of value first by developing a clean, [or renewable], energy project and then [create] sustainable jobs and revenues for the local communities,” she says.

Holistic Approach

Elaborating on the company’s approach to choosing a solution for a country, Levkov explains that EDF, which is currently operating in only about ten African countries, has local experts in each, and analyses the country’s needs and challenges, as well as the benefit for the local population. Once done, EDF develops and adapts proposed solutions on a case-by-case basis.

Considered as one of EDF’s “globally holistic approaches”, Levkov explains, the company’s off-grid solar kit solution is provided for households in vulnerable or rural areas.

The kits provide for various options, comprising anything from batteries, solar photovoltaic or other renewable-energy technology options, which are tested and adapted to the region’s requirements.