General Description

Abstract

Africa and Latin America possess tremendous potential for significant growth of renewable energy. Much of this potential is derived from access to large land areas with more than 37% of the combined global surface area, the availability of abundant renewable resources (i.e., wind, water and solar), commitments to cut global emissions by 2030 and a growing recognition by some nations that low carbon energy development enhances economic prosperity. Moreover, Africa and Latin America produce more than 23% of the global renewable energy, but much of this energy is provided by traditional biofuels (36% of total global production) to support daily sustenance needs (i.e., heating and cooking) rather than electricity production. An energy paradox exists for Africa and Latin America as they have diverse and often abundent energy reserves that vary between nations but they seldom achieve generation levels necessary for growth of national or regional economies. In this chapter a general description of both regions is provided. This description incorporates updated key parameters that should influence present and future energy decisions by governments, business sector, researchers and professionals including primary energy supply, reserves, carbon emissions versus GDP, water consumption, land consumption, easiness of doing business, etc. As the ease of transactions within the business environment improves there is likely to be greater diversification of energy sources and an overall expansion of entrepreneurial activities.