China's prowess in solar aids Africa's green transition

As Africa looks to solar power to drive its renewable energy development, cooperation with China and drawing on its expertise is playing an increasingly vital role, industry experts said.

Chinese companies in the photovoltaic energy sector have rich experience and advanced technologies, which have helped deepen cooperation between China and Africa, said Nivedh Das Thaikoottathil, senior analyst in the renewables and power department of global consultancy Rystad Energy.

Expanding electricity access is crucial for boosting economic opportunities and people's quality of life in Africa. China is not only the global leader in installed capacity and power generation, but is also the world's largest producer and supplier of solar cells and modules, which aligns perfectly with the continent's needs, she said.

In the past, China's energy investments in Africa have primarily focused on large hydropower and coal-fired power projects. However, in recent years there has been a shift toward solar power projects, she added.

Chinese investments in Africa's renewable energy sector grew at an average annual rate of 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, with solar, hydropower, and wind the leading technologies, according to Rystad Energy.