Half of sub-Saharan Africa relies more on generators than grid
The analysis demonstrates how countries with less reliable energy infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the Iran war.
A recent analysis reveals that a majority of countries in sub-Saharan Africa are now relying more on diesel generators than on the electricity grid, according to a report from Energy for Growth. This trend has left regions with less reliable energy infrastructure particularly vulnerable to the ongoing effects of the Iran war. The continent's increasing dependence on diesel has become a coping mechanism due to a persistent deficit in grid-supplied electricity.
While diesel generators offer more dependable energy, their reliance on imported fuel exposes consumers to the volatility of global fuel prices. Shockingly, the study found that Africa's fleet of diesel generators constitutes about 63% of the continent's grid-connected generation capacity. This dominance of diesel capacity extends beyond North Africa and South Africa, with an estimated 26 sub-Saharan markets having more diesel generation than grid power.
Consequently, businesses and households across these regions are heavily exposed to fluctuations in fuel costs and supply disruptions.
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