12 Reasons Why Gas Should Be Part of Africa’s Clean Energy Future

12 Reasons Why Gas Should Be Part of Africa’s Clean Energy Future

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Several high-profile financiers of emerging markets infrastructure, such as the UK government, are actively considering a blanket ban on fossil fuels that would preclude any new projects involving natural gas. Burning natural gas emits carbon dioxide (CO2), a long-lived greenhouse gas. Facilities that produce, transport and consume natural gas sometimes leak methane, a short-lived but even more potent greenhouse gas. So blocking money for new gas pipelines, gas-fired power plants, or gas-consuming industries in Africa might seem like good environmental policy, especially as we seek to accelerate the global transition to a cleaner energy future in the wake of COVID-19. But it’s not. A prohibition on funding for gas-fuelled power in Africa won’t work for climate mitigation — and it will hurt the continent’s development. Worse, a ban now could slow the adoption of renewables and reinforce a global energy double standard. Here are a dozen reasons why gas should have a bright future in Africa.

World Economic Forum | 12 Reasons Why Gas Should Be Part of Africa’s Clean Energy Future