Russia–Africa: Prospects for Cooperation in Energy
KEY CONCLUSIONS
Russia’s energy
solutions offer an advantage in African nations
“First of all, Russian partners have invariably been more flexible
[compared to competitors from other countries operating in Africa – ed.].
It is easier to come to agreements with them. Secondly, in addition to
implementing a project, they have invariably worked on training personnel. When
we go somewhere, it is for a long time, and we leave a lasting mark,” Nikolay
Shulginov, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation.
“I would like to mention our
new endeavours. These mainly concern geothermal energy, which we are working on
in Kamchatka. I know that the potential for this exists in Africa as well,
which is why we are ready to consider projects of this kind. <...> Our
strategy to 2030 sets out a fairly modest goal of producing around 2 million tonnes
per year on the African continent. We are moving towards this goal steadily and
consistently,” Vyacheslav Terentyev, Deputy General Director for Business
Development, Zarubezhneft.
“Six hundred million people in
Africa do not have access to electricity, and 900 million do not have possible
[access – ed.] to technology for cooking. Most of these people are
women. <...> Africa is in need of partnerships. Africa is in need of
cooperation. <...> We need your investment, technology, and business.
That’s because when it comes to business, both sides stand on an equal footing,
and work hand in hand. <...> Energy poverty can be overcome through using
natural gas. Natural gas is what is going to drive the future. We need natural
gas, which will enable us to power all of Africa. In order to do this, we need
Russian technology and equipment. We can move forward through partnership with
Russia,” NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
PROBLEMS
A limited
infrastructure, energy shortages, and difficulties associated with making the
green transition in African nations
“Africa’s potential is obvious to us. There is substantial GDP growth
there, and the population is growing too. Currently it stands at 1.5 billion
people. This needs to be taken into account, because this [population growth – ed.]
is leading to increasing electricity consumption, and the energy sector needs
to stay ahead of economic growth. <...> [First of all, Russia can help
African nations – ed.] with exploration and production of energy resources.
Secondly, there is the fight against energy shortages. After all, there are a
lot of countries, and each one has its own history. <...> Thirdly, there
is the issue of deteriorating infrastructure – poorly operating and unreliable
power stations. This can also lead to shutdowns and consequently, social protest,”
Nikolay Shulginov, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation.
“There is a deep understanding that the African continent will not be
able to begin the process of industrialization without addressing acute
problems in the energy sector. According to various estimates, up to 40% of the
population does not have access to electricity. <...> The transition to
green energy must be done with common sense in mind. It should not impede
economic growth in African nations,” Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador at Large, Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
“Russia’s experience in
constructing power plants and using wind and solar energy is well known in
African nations. <...> We [Mali and Russia – ed.] are already
forging contacts. Various meetings are being held, there has been contact with
Rosatom, and several protocols have been signed between my country and Russia.
<...> We have a lot of potential. Mali is the fifth country in the world
to possess enormous solar resources. However, only 5% of our population uses
electricity in their day-to-day lives. That’s a very low figure, and we are
highly dependent on imports of hydrocarbons. We have recently seen an increase
in energy consumption. However, there is not yet enough capacity. Currently,
the deficit is around 500 million megawatts. That is why we are interested in
working with Russian enterprises,” Bintou Camara, Minister of Energy and Water
of the Republic of Mali.
SOLUTIONS
Building low-capacity power plants in an effort to address the energy
deficit in African nations
“In terms of the solutions we are offering... I am glad to be sharing
this platform with Inter RAO – Export. That’s because their low-capacity
power-plant solutions are very attractive indeed. What’s more, the company not
only offers solutions, it can also provide its own options with regards to
raising finance, i.e., it works with banks,” Nikolay Shulginov, Minister of
Energy of the Russian Federation.
“We have the ability to offer
so-called green solutions. I am referring first of all to nuclear technology –
something which we offer an advantage and leadership in. There is the potential
to offer solutions, both in terms of low-capacity and large facilities.
<...> There are also hydropower-related solutions which could be
implemented. Today, total electricity output on the continent is, I believe,
175 terawatts. That accounts for just 3.6% of the global total. However, 17% of
this comes from hydropower plants. <...> Power Machines and RusHydro both
have solutions to offer. We have excellent experience of working with African
partners,” Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador at Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Russian Federation.
“We are already working with
our partners from Russia to explore the potential for cooperation. We are
finding out about possible ways of covering our energy deficit. <...>
Both Mali and Burkina Faso import electricity from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. It
should therefore be said that energy autonomy in the country still represents a
certain difficulty for us... If we really manage to build nuclear power plants
by 2030, then we will be able to solve the energy-deficit issue. <...>
Our industrial sector is in need of energy,” Simon-Pierre Boussim, Minister of
Energy, Mines and Quarries of Burkina Faso.
For more information, visit
the Roscongress Foundation’s Information and Analytical System at roscongress.org/en.
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