Mr. Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, has argued that Africa should take advantage of technological advancements to strike a balance between fully utilizing its fossil fuel resources and seizing the opportunities presented by the global energy transition.
At the 2023 Africa Development Conference at Harvard University, Mr. O-A Danquah addressed the issue of Africa's position on the global goal of renewable energy. He said that while there is still a systematic shift to embrace renewable energy, it is crucial that the movement is not viewed as an imposition on Africa to, specifically, end the use of the energy resources she currently has access to.
He claims that although the energy transition presents the continent with many potentials, the energy situation there is very different from that in the rest of the West, where the necessary technology to support a more rapid shift to renewable energy sources is more easily accessible.
"For example, it is appropriate for more developed nations to refer to natural gas as a transition fuel when you take into account the possibility that these nations may have fewer gas resources or perhaps depend on pipeline or LNG imports." However, an African nation with a wealth of untapped natural gas resources cannot wisely classify natural gas as just a transition fuel since that would substantially limit the nation's ability to handle its future energy needs.
A "just transition" narrative may be controlled by Africa by designating natural gas as a "destination fuel," especially because technology is developing to make its usage more cleaner, according to him.
He emphasized once more how important it is to have access to contemporary, sustainable energy. However, due to the many routes taken to creating newer, sustainable energy sources, fossil fuels continue to play a significant role in the energy infrastructure of many nations worldwide.
"At the moment, Africa produces fewer carbon emissions, but it lacks the funds necessary to build more modern energy infrastructure. However, it is crucial that Africa create a distinct transition plan because technology is predicted to make natural gas cleaner.
Mr. Danquah came to the conclusion that Africa's collective need for a "just" or equitable energy transition to make sure the continent is not ultimately shortchanged is motivated by discrepancies relating to both the ease and rate at which certain countries can shift.
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