Financing Renewable Energy in Developing Countries: Drivers and Barriers for Private Finance in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Issue Date: February 2012

The report is based on a survey of 38 mostly private sector institutions involved in energy infrastructure finance in developing countries. It outlines the current obstacles to sustainable energy solutions in Africa, including the cost of electricity and difficult grid access. It highlights the need for an estimated 7,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity annually to meet the continent’s growing energy demands, and argues that Africa has a wealth of untapped domestic resources. The report underscores the opportunities to improve energy security and to establish regional energy markets.