A research perspective on advancing and scaling renewable electrification across Africa

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Chinese explanation / 中文解读

中文解读待补充：本站会优先为光伏效率、钙钛矿太阳能电池、储能技术、太阳能热利用、BIPV、并网技术等高价值论文补充中文说明。

Original abstract

Abstract Electrification strategies based on renewable energy are critical for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals and meeting the Paris Agreement in Africa. Low-cost renewable energy offers multiple benefits and enables rapid scale-up through decentralised and scalable solutions, particularly solar photovoltaics. However, despite recent progress, about 600 million people in Africa, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, are still estimated to lack access to electricity. This perspective synthesises literature evidence to show the critical role of renewable energy in delivering sustainable, secure, and reliable electricity. It provides nuanced insights into energy policy, economic factors, social inclusion, technology relevance, and planning tools, while identifying context-relevant solutions tailored to the continent. It further emphasises the evolving role of energy stakeholders, with active energy citizens increasingly transitioning from consumers to prosumers, yet this aspect remains underexplored in the literature. To inform policy and practice, we recommend inclusive, interdisciplinary approaches that engage African and international partners, implement context-specific business models, and make parallel investments in centralised and decentralised systems. Strategic investment in scalable, low-cost renewable energy technologies, particularly solar PV, and in solar-to-X pathways can accelerate socially inclusive and sustainable electrification across Africa.

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