Sino-African Energy Relations

China as a Catalyst for Renewable Energy Development in Africa?

December 2010 – May 2011

Project context

At the 2009 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China pledged $10 billion in concessional loans in Africa, with clean energy development included among the core areas of commitment. Chinese premier Wen Jiabao announced China's plans to implement 100 new clean-energy projects across the African continent, specifically in the form of solar power, bio gas and small hydro power installations. This announcement reflects an emerging trend towards increased Chinese engagement in Africa's renewable energy sector.

Many African countries have renewable energy potential that remains largely unused. The expansion of renewable energy in Africa can play a considerable role in advancing African countries' economic development while avoiding a corresponding rise in greenhouse gas emissions. China could serve as a catalyst for renewable energy development in Africa, building on its own agenda of renewable energy development in combination with its strong presence in several African countries. At the same time, China's role in Africa's renewable sector raises concerns about lack of social and environmental standards as well as accountability and good governance, issues that China's investments in Africa have invoked in the past.

Project objectives

The project provided an overview of the opportunities and challenges connected with increased Chinese involvement in Africa's renewable energy sector. The findings are based on:

  • An assessment of China's and Africa's related interests and objectives
  • China's past and current role in Africa
  • China’s and Africa’s broader climate change and energy strategies

The project also analyzed how China's involvement needs to be shaped in order to maximize its positive impact on renewable energy expansion, climate protection and sustainable development in Africa, as well as how industrialized countries can help foster these beneficial effects.

The project was commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund US in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund Norway. It was jointed conducted by Climate Focus, the climate change advisory company, and the Global Public Policy Institute.

Project outputs

The project team delivered a policy paper presenting the findings of the study. Download the report Towards an Energizing Partnership? - Exploring China's Role as Catalyst of Renewable Energy Development in Africa (PDF 94 pages).

For more information on this project, please contact Björn Conrad.