The African School of Regulation (ASR), in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), hosted a three-day, open, online, high-level conference to discuss how regulation could enable and promote the deployment and integration of solar electricity generation in African countries\u2019 power sectors at scale and through sustainable models. The conference considered utility-scale power plants, distributed grid-connected solar resources, and off-grid solutions, with a focus on the former.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Africa possessed some of the richest solar resources in the world. Yet, despite this potential, as of 2023, the continent\u2019s installed utility-scale solar PV capacity stood at approximately 15 GW\u2014less than 2% of the global total of over 1 TW.\u00b2 By comparison, the European Union alone had over 260 GW\u00b3, and China more than 500 GW\u2074.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Africa\u2019s electricity demand was expected to more than double by 2040, driven by population growth\u2014from 1.4 billion at the time to a projected 2.5 billion in 2050\u2014and economic development. More than 600 million people in Africa lacked access to electricity. Solar PV represented a critical opportunity to deliver affordable, clean, and scalable power to meet this demand. Falling technology costs\u2014utility-scale PV levelized cost of electricity had dropped by 89% globally since 2010\u2014made it competitive with fossil fuel generation in many African countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, achieving full electrification, adequate economic development, and a decarbonised economy by 2050 would require hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments, alongside operation and maintenance costs for solar PV generation. These investments needed to be supported by predictable regulatory frameworks that inspired confidence among developers, financiers, and utilities. A sound regulatory framework for solar generation was essential at all levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Programme de la conf\u00e9rence<\/p><\/div>