In the 21st century access to energy has become a basic human need and foundational to the Somali Region’s economic development, health, and security.
As the Somali Region emerges from conflict and instability, the renewable energy sector will play a crucial role in Somalia’s continued growth.
Access to affordable energy drives development, but fewer than a quarter of Somalis have access to electricity. The minority of those who can afford electricity, pay up to 6 times the global average.
The Somali region has the highest potential for onshore wind power in Africa. Additionally, The Somali Region gets up to 3,100 hours of sunlight per year, receiving some of the best solar irradiation in the world. A growing number of renewable energy projects in the Somali region demonstrate the viability of its market.
However, for the sector to scale up, investment in human capital is needed to improve linkages between Somali and international technical programs, establishing third-party accreditation mechanisms, and increasing the number of high quality training programs will be necessary to sustain the industry over the long term.
In the 21st century access to energy has become a basic human need and foundational to the Somali Region’s economic development, health, and security.
For more information visit Shuraako's Somali Renewable Energy Forum.
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