Renewable energy enabling pathways towards prosperity in Africa and South Asia

Africa and South Asia are the regions with the fastest growing population in the world. Both of these major regions are located in the sunbelt with excellent solar as well as other renewable energy resources. Rising standards of living accompanied by a massive economic development triggers a vast need of energy. This study reflects the opportunities for an economic development largely based on renewable energy and especially the role of solar photovoltaics as a primary option for low-cost energy supply in the sunbelt. Investigations also cover the share of 100% renewable energy system analyses for Africa and South Asia and the opportunities of a Solar-to-X Economy in the sunbelt. The current status and energy system transition prospects until 2050 for Africa and South Asia are presented, including an outlook for post-2050 trends. Strategic opportunities for Africa and South Asia show many similarities but also structural differences. A central finding of this study is that low-cost solar photovoltaics is the core of a prosperous development in Africa and South Asia. This will be strongly supported by low-cost batteries and electrolysers for a self-sufficient growth of the two most populous regions in the world. Additionally, this will create significant export opportunities for e-fuels, e-chemicals and e-materials for Africa enabled by its large land availability and excellent solar resources, while land area is rather limited in South Asia. Sustainable development for Africa and South Asia will be closely related to the roll-out of a Solar-to-X Economy.