A Transformative Alliance for Sustainable Energy
At the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the Global Leadership Council (GLC) of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) unveiled an ambitious initiative. Ten-plus countries, including Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Togo, have committed to the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium.
The BESS Consortium’s Pioneering Goals and Collaborative Approach
The BESS Consortium’s primary objective is to secure 5 gigawatts (GW) of energy storage commitments by the end of 2024. This effort aligns with the Global Leadership Council’s mission to reduce renewable energy technology costs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and tackle climate change. The BESS Consortium sets the stage for achieving the estimated 400 GW of renewable energy by 2030, a crucial step towards addressing energy poverty and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7).
Through the collaborative efforts of resource partners like the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and others, the BESS Consortium aims to accelerate a just energy transition. These partners will support first-mover countries with tailored packages of assistance for BESS investment, contributing to the deployment of 90 GW of storage capacity by 2030.
Overcoming Challenges and Advancing the Energy Transition
Despite the significance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in grid reliability and cost-effectiveness compared to fossil fuels, challenges hinder progress. High financing costs, lengthy project lead times, and unfavorable policies pose obstacles. To address these issues, the World Bank and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) have introduced guidelines to facilitate planning and executing utility-scale solar-plus-storage projects.
The BESS Consortium, co-chaired by Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, emphasizes unprecedented global collaboration. With commitments from nations, resource partners, and advocates, the Consortium is poised to deliver tangible outcomes, accelerate project deployment, improve regulatory environments, and unlock financing. Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, underscores the critical role of storage capacity in achieving emission reduction goals and fostering economic opportunities.
As the BESS Consortium gains momentum, it serves as a beacon of bold action, demonstrating the transformative power of international collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions. The journey towards a greener future is underway, with tangible progress expected by the time world leaders reconvene at COP29 next year.
Source：africa.com
