African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, said in a statement at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, that urgent action is needed to reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and harness Africa’s renewable energy sources. Alluding to Europe’s push for emissions-free vehicles, he said: “Africa is a crucial source for minerals and metals for clean energy value chains, including electric vehicles and utility-scale battery storage. “Africa is the perfect place to build lithium-ion batteries to power German cars.” In a report by EnviroNews Africa, the president also recognised green hydrogen as a low-carbon investment in building decarbonised economies. He reiterated that AfDB was spearheading efforts to unlock Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, with 86 per cent of its power generation investments in renewables and a ban on coal energy projects. Adesina insisted that natural gas should be crucial to Africa’s diversified energy mix to guarantee a secure energy supply for industries and residences. He also stated that “Africa, just like Germany and Europe, must be given time to transition and be allowed to use its natural gas resources as a transition fuel.
