Energy

New research highlights the vast potential of rooftop solar, urging policymakers to prioritise PV over nuclear for cleaner, cost-effective energy. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Covering rooftops with solar panels worldwide could supply most of the planet’s electricity needs while also reducing global temperatures by 0.13 degrees Celsius, according to new research from the University of Sussex

With rooftops spanning approximately 286,000 km²—comparable in size to Italy or New Zealand—the study suggests that if all viable surfaces were equipped with photovoltaic solar panels, they could produce 19,500 TWh of electricity annually. This output would account for 65% of current global electricity consumption and, when combined with load shifting and battery storage, could largely replace fossil fuel-based power generation.

Using advanced climate models, researchers projected the impact of large-scale solar adoption by 2050. A temperature reduction of 0.13 degrees Celsius is significant, considering a 2023 Nature study indicated that each 0.1-degree rise in global temperatures exposes an additional 140 million people to extreme heat.

Is rooftop solar the better investment?

The study urges policymakers to prioritise rooftop solar technology, emphasising that it provides taxpayers with better value than nuclear power. Felix Creutzig, a climate and policy expert at the University of Sussex, stated, “Solar is now outcompeting nuclear power in cost, deployment speed and environmental risks. Given its immediate carbon reduction benefits, governments should consider shifting incentives toward rooftop PV instead of nuclear. This goes for cooler countries like the UK as well as those with more obvious solar potential.”

The cost of solar power has plummeted over the past decade. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for solar now ranges between GBP £30 and £50 per MWh (approx. USD$38.77 to US$64.62 per MWh, whereas newer nuclear projects—such as Small Modular Reactors—are estimated to cost between £100 and £150 per MWh (approx. USD$129.22 to US$193.84 per MWh).

“Beyond carbon savings, reducing fossil fuel dependence also means cleaner air and better energy security. With so much untapped potential in solar, it’s hard to see how governments can justify investing in nuclear, or as yet unproven carbon capture projects,” remarked Creutzig

The research underscores the importance of global collaboration in deploying solar panels where they can be most effective. Despite Africa having the highest solar energy potential, the continent accounts for just 1% of global rooftop PV installations, highlighting the need for increased investment. East Asia, with its dense urban areas and high carbon intensity, presents the greatest potential for rooftop solar as a climate mitigation strategy. Meanwhile, North America and Europe, though less sun-rich, possess extensive building infrastructure, offering a combined rooftop PV installation potential of over 4,300 GW—equivalent to 25% of the global capacity.

Also read: AMEA Power ignites solar growth in Ivory Coast

Sierra Leone urgently needs more power (IMAGE SOURCE: Adobe Stock)

A waste-to-energy project in Sierra Leone has received a cash boost after securing investment from a major development finance partner

Climate Fund Managers (CFM), a climate-focused investment group, will invest US$3.1mn in the transformative Freetown projectFreetown, which is being put together by Infinitum Energy.

The 30MW facility will convert 365,000 tonnes of waste a year into 236.5 GWh of electricity and help to address Sierra Leone’s waste management and energy access challenges, providing energy to over three million people.

The power will be supplied to the national grid under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Sierra Leone’s Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), which is currently being finalised.

Structured under an Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, the initiative also demonstrates the West African country’s commitment to becoming a more welcoming place for energy investments.

“By leveraging proven technology and a robust public-private partnership model, we are addressing two critical issues facing Freetown: waste management and reliable energy access. Together, we are demonstrating what is possible when private sector innovation and government collaboration come together to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for Sierra Leone,” said Lindsay Nagle, CEO of Infinitum Energy.

Infinitum describes itself as a climate infrastructure company specialising in the development of clean energy projects in emerging markets, with a focus on solar, wind and waste-to-energy.

Its current development-stage projects are located in Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka, with teams also exploring other projects in Uganda and other territories outside Africa.

For CFM, the Sierra Leone project also helps contribute to the nation’s long-term climate and development goals, avoiding 94,000 tonnes of CO2 emission annually.

The funding comes from its EU-supported Climate Investor Two Fund, a blended finance facility focused on water and waste infrastructure in emerging markets.

“This waste-to-energy project exemplifies our commitment to creating scalable solutions that address climate, social, and economic challenges in Africa,” said Darron Johnson, regional head of Africa at CFM.

“By transforming Freetown’s waste into a sustainable energy source, we’re not only reducing emissions but also catalysing economic opportunities and improving community health.”

He added: “This partnership underscores the importance of blended finance to absorb early-stage project risks and develop innovative infrastructure solutions in emerging markets.”

Sierra Leone faces severe waste management challenges driven by rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure.

Overwhelmed dumpsites like Kingtom and Kissy, established in the 1940s and 1980s, have led to the emergence of numerous illegal dumpsites.

Together, these sites contribute to acute health risks, clogged waterways with heightened flood risks and the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

Meanwhile, only 22% of the population has access to electricity, up to 40% of which is generated from fossil fuels, leaving millions without reliable power.

The new waste-to-energy plant will provide baseload power, complementing the country’s existing hydropower supply and addressing energy shortages during the dry season.

The waste-to-energy project is also expected to create around 250 direct jobs and support a further 1,500 jobs in the local waste management value chain.

CFM said in a statement that the funding will support detailed waste studies, permitting and early-stage works, accelerating the path to financial close for construction.

On successful completion of the development of the project and subject to obtaining required investment approvals, Climate Investor Two will have the right to fund up to 75% of the required construction equity funding for the project, it added.

Read more: 

Infinity Power makes 1GW energy commitment in Sierra Leone

Baoma-1 to be Sierra Leone's first independent power project

Kibo Energy inks 10-year clean energy PPA on South Africa waste-to-energy project

Scatec completes the sale of its 51% stake in African hydropower projects to TotalEnergies, aligning with its strategic focus. (Image source: Scatec)

Scatec ASA has completed the sale of its 51% stake in its African hydropower joint venture with Norfund and British International Investment (BII), aligning with its strategic direction

This follows the initial announcement in a stock exchange notice on 30 July 2024.

The deal closed at an agreed price of US$167mn, based on a valuation date of 31 December 2023. After adjusting for cash movements between the valuation and closing dates, the net proceeds are estimated at US$161mn. These funds will be allocated to Scatec’s self-funded growth strategy and corporate debt reduction.

Hydropower asset sold 

The transaction includes the operational 255 MW Bujagali hydropower plant in Uganda, as well as a development portfolio featuring the 361 MW Mpatamanga project in Malawi and the 206 MW Ruzizi III project, spanning Rwanda, the DRC, and Burundi. Additionally, as part of the agreement, the Hydro Africa team will transition to TotalEnergies under the newly formed entity SN Power AS.

Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog stated, “We are pleased with closing the transaction to sell our stake in the African hydropower assets to TotalEnergies. The divestment is in line with our strategy to optimise our portfolio and focus the majority of our investments in our core markets and on solar, onshore wind and battery energy storage. We are confident that TotalEnergies will be a strong owner going forward. I would especially like to thank the hydropower team that now moves to TotalEnergies for their hard work and dedication over the years.”

The sale has resulted in a proportionate accounting effect of approximately US$30mn and a consolidated effect of around US$50mn, primarily influenced by foreign currency fluctuations. These impacts will be recorded in Scatec’s financial results for the first quarter of 2025.

AMEA Power breaks ground on a 50MW solar plant in Ivory Coast, set to power 358,000 homes and cut 52,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. (Image source: AMEA Power)

AMEA Power, a rapidly expanding renewable energy company in the region, has officially commenced construction on a 50MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Ivory Coast

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 27 February 2025, was attended by Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Ivory Coast’s minister of mines, oil, and energy, along with AMEA Power’s chief financial officer, David Falcon.

What can AMEA Power deliver?

Located in Bondoukou, within the north-eastern Gontougo region, the Bondoukou Solar PV Plant will produce 85 GWh of clean electricity annually. This output is sufficient to power approximately 358,000 households while reducing CO₂ emissions by over 52,000 tonnes. The project is managed by AMEA Goutougo, a fully owned subsidiary of AMEA Power registered in Ivory Coast.

With a total investment of US$60mn, the project is being financed by FMO and DEG. It aligns with Ivory Coast’s national strategy to increase renewable energy’s share in the electricity mix to 45% by 2030.

Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of AMEA Power, stated, “Today, we turn vision into reality. The 50MW solar plant is a landmark achievement for Ivory Coast and a testament to AMEA Power’s dedication to delivering clean energy solutions across Africa. This groundbreaking ceremony is an important symbol of partnership, we are proud to partner with the government and the people of Ivory Coast on this transformative journey.”

Once operational, the Bondoukou Solar PV Plant will be AMEA Power’s first active project in Ivory Coast. The company is also advancing plans for an additional 50MW solar PV installation in the country.

Beyond energy production, AMEA Power remains committed to socio-economic development. Through its Community Investment and Development Programmes, the company will engage with local communities, launching initiatives focused on gender equality, education, and skills training to ensure lasting positive change.

Read more: Time to accelerate off-grid renewables in Africa