GPPi and Climate Focus analyze the role of China in Africa's renewable energy sector

On 1 December 2010, the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) and Climate Focus, a climate change advisory company, launched a joint project on China’s role in Africa’s renewable energy sector. Titled Sino-African Energy Relations – China as a Catalyst for Renewable Energy Development in Africa?, the project has been commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund US in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund Norway.

At the 2009 Forum in China-Africa Cooperation, Chinese premier Wen Jiabao announced China’s plans to implement 100 new clean-energy projects across the African continent. This announcement reflects an emerging trend towards increased Chinese engagement in Africa’s renewable energy sector. China could serve as a catalyst for renewable energy development in Africa, building on its own agenda of renewable energy development in combination with its strong presence in several African countries. At the same time, China’s role in Africa’s renewable sector raises concerns about lack of social and environmental standards as well as accountability and good governance, issues that China’s investments in Africa have invoked in the past. The project seeks to provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges connected to an increased Chinese involvement. The findings will be based on:

• An assessment of China’s and Africa’s related interests and objectives
• China’s past and current role in Africa
• China’s and Africa’s broader climate change and energy strategies

The project will give recommendations of how industrialized nations can positively impact China’s involvement in renewable energy expansion, climate protection and sustainable development in Africa.