Abstract: The quest to pursue alternative options to fossil fuels on the African continent has been triggered by well-known contemporary imperatives. Biofuels are now an established alternative to fossil fuels. The increasing focus on bioenergy has been buttressed by various policies in many countries in Africa that encourage production and consumption of biofuels. With annual gross domestic product growth rates reaching 5% during the past decade, more than twice that of the 1980s and 1990s, Africa has become one of the fastest growing continents. Access to modern and sustainable energy will be critical to sustain these positive signals. Biomass is by far the most important renewable energy resource in Africa. Bioenergy represents almost 50% of the total primary energy supply for the African continent. Africa is second to Asia supplying and consuming 26% of global bioenergy. Between 2005 and 2012 there was a 22% increase in bioenergy supply in Africa. However, most of this energy is used as heat. Africa produces about 0.3% of electricity from biomass. Africa contributed 0.07% to global production of liquid biofuels in 2012. Given its vast biomass resources, there is scope for enhanced bioenergy production and consumption in Africa through increased investment in the biomass conversion sector.Abstract: The quest to pursue alternative options to fossil fuels on the African continent has been triggered by well-known contemporary imperatives. Biofuels are now an established alternative to fossil fuels. The increasing focus on bioenergy has been buttressed by various policies in many countries in Africa that encourage production and consumption of bi...Show More
