Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solar projects are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future across Africa. According to the latest Africa Solar Outlook 2025 report by AFSIA, this sector is positioned to lead the solar industry forward with remarkable progress and expansion.
Continued Growth of C&I Projects
The report highlights the significant growth of C&I projects in Africa, especially in terms of captive generation and wheeling projects. In 2024 alone, nearly 6GW of captive C&I projects and 1.7GW of wheeling projects were announced, marking a substantial increase in the region’s solar capacity.
Regional Trends in C&I Projects
While South Africa remains a frontrunner in wheeling projects, hosting the majority of such initiatives on the continent, other African countries are emerging as key players in captive C&I projects. With a pipeline exceeding 5GW outside South Africa, these nations are driving innovation and sustainability in their energy sectors.
Expert Insight: “The dynamic landscape of C&I solar projects indicates a shift towards decentralized energy generation and increased access to clean power across various African markets,” says renewable energy analyst Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Resilience Amid Challenges
Despite facing disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted large-scale solar projects, the sector has shown resilience and recovery. The report notes a solid comeback for large-scale initiatives in 2024 and anticipates continued growth in the years ahead.
Growth Trajectory of Large-Scale Projects
In 2024, large-scale solar projects witnessed significant expansion, contributing to 72% of newly installed capacity compared to previous years. The surge in installations—from 521MW in 2023 to 1,783MW last year—reflects a remarkable growth rate of almost 350%, signaling a promising future for utility-scale developments.
Expert Insight: “The resurgence of large-scale solar projects underscores the importance of long-term investments in renewable energy infrastructure to meet growing electricity demands sustainably,” highlights energy economist Dr. Amina Toure.
Promising Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the outlook for African solar growth appears robust with over 81GW worth of new large-scale projects planned across the continent. This surge not only signifies an exciting phase for renewable energy but also signals increased foreign investment opportunities and enhanced grid capacities to address rising electricity needs effectively.
As Mamusa Mabodi explores challenges hindering solar scalability across Africa—including infrastructural limitations and financial barriers—she emphasizes collaborative efforts as key to unlocking the vast solar potential on the continent despite existing grid constraints and perceived investment risks.
In conclusion, C&I solar projects stand at the forefront of revolutionizing Africa’s energy landscape once again by driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and meeting evolving power demands head-on.
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