S11 ATR May 2022 Balkrishna Editorial_ATR - New Master Template 2016 26/04/2022 09:28 Page 47
COMMENT | WATER
The water-energy nexus and the power of the sun Sivan Ya’ari, founder and CEO at Innovation: Africa, discusses the pivotal role the sun plays in providing clean water and reliable energy, the cornerstone for sustainable development across the continent. frica has the resources required to empower its people, but any future prosperity will be unimaginable without access for all to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy and safe water. For sustainable development to take place across Africa, it is essential to understand the inextricable nexus between water and energy. Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and is recognised as Goal 6 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). And yet, one in three Africans face water scarcity and approximately 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to basic drinking water. Aside from these concerning numbers, this lack of water is severely impacting the continent’s ability to produce energy in its bid to achieve its aspirations of prosperity, wellbeing and inclusive sustainable development – today and for future generations. The challenges faced by lowincome countries are, among others, a lack of funding, education and infrastructure to take action. But there is an immediate answer to Africa’s water and energy crisis, which comes in the form of solar power. Solar powered pumps offer an effective way for communities to access clean and safe water for the long term, and are becoming a critical component within the nexus. Innovation: Africa, for example, harnesses the energy from the sun and, by installing solar-water pumping systems, has been able to provide safe and clean water to millions of community members across rural African villages.
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www.africanreview.com
Image Credit: Innovation: Africa
Since 2008, Innovation: Africa has delivered access to clean water and light to more than three million people across Africa.
A golden opportunity Since 2010, the price of solar energy has decreased by 89%, making it the most affordable form of energy in history. There is a real opportunity to use these solar powered water pumps to deliver electricity to millions of Africans living in darkness that is simple, cost effective and incredibly easy to install within communities. Solar-powered, efficient microirrigation, as one example, is increasing farm-level incomes by five to ten times, improving yields by up to 300% and reducing water usage by up to 90%. This has incredible economic impact for communities relying on farming to keep themselves sustained and bring in life-changing revenue. Agriculture is at the heart of Africa’s economy and has an extensive social footprint. It accounts for 14% of the total GDP in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the majority of employment for the continent’s
population. But, due to increasing water scarcity, Africa does not have the energy required to reach its full agricultural potential. This could be immediately addressed with solar solutions. Many African countries have already succeeded in making the necessary advancements to scale up renewables, such as adopting support policies and promoting investment and regional collaboration, but most of the continent is still severely lagging on the renewable energy front. Overcoming the continents’ energy access gap will require a paradigm shift from energy as a commodity to energy as an enabler. Climate change also puts additional stress on water availability. Touted as the most solid and urgent report released to date, the UN’s recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Special Report revealed that climate change is widespread, rapid and
intensifying. Although a key finding in the report highlights that global temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C of warming over the next two decades, it is not only temperature increases which should be cause for alarm, but also the impact of unstable wetness and dryness cycles critical to tolerance thresholds for health and agriculture. Solar energy can address many critical gaps and challenges associated with climate change policies. In short, a few solar panels can transform communities. The benefits of solar energy, particularly in remote areas, are undeniable. The technologies exist, they are environmentally friendly and affordable. The time is now for African countries to reimagine their energy policies and join forces to innovate and define new paths for socioeconomic growth by empowering rural communities through the sun. ■
MAY 2022 | AFRICAN REVIEW OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
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