The European Union (EU) and United States recently unveiled the specifics of their joint effort to boost sustainable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a press release.
"Under Global Gateway, we are boosting our cooperation with the U.S. administration to build the strategic autonomy of our African partners, including by unlocking more opportunities to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable energy,” commissioner for international partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said. “Together, we can electrify even more schools and health centers, and fight even more efficiently the inequalities linked to energy poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa."
In a recent release, both parties confirmed plans to unlock the company’s renewable power source and increase local access.
To make this possible, Urpilainen and USAID Administrator Samantha Power recently signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding on closer EU-U.S. cooperation to carry out projects like the African Continental Power System Masterplan.
“The closer EU-U.S. cooperation aims at supporting a just and green energy transition, reducing energy poverty and increasing access to affordable, reliable and modern energy for all in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the report explains. “By working together toward these common goals with their respective strengths, expertise and resources, the EU and U.S. hope to boost their impact in increasing sustainable energy availability and access in Africa as part of poverty reduction, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and mitigating climate change.”
The specific areas the U.S. and the EU hope to cover through this initiative include small-scale and off-grid power generation to increase access to renewable energy, which includes the electrification of health facilities and schools, women and youth-led businesses and rural houses. The collaboration will also develop energy storage, energy efficiency and transmission line development and promote the contribution of women in the energy sector.
Policy dialogue and regulatory reforms will be done to improve the overall environment of the investment. Lastly, both parties agreed to carry out specific flagship projects to “further mobilize public resources and leverage private sector investments.”