While hydropower remains the main developed renewable energy resource in the world, solar energy is becoming more and more competitive in the short-term, said Pétronille Hazoumé, from Helios Energie (France). She made the statement during discussions at a five-day All-Africa Energy Week conference, taking place from 1-5 November 2010 in Maputo, Mozambique.

At the same time, she said, carbon emissions, which threaten the environment, have become a growing and real constraint to the development of traditional sources of energy.

In this context, photovoltaic energy is becoming more attractive. It is an unlimited resource present all over the African continent. This energy source is also considered to be less expensive in the long-term and can be developed in short-time frames.

However, successful solar energy development requires lucrative local markets and the enabling regulatory environment for the sector, she said.

Contacts

Gil Manuel Vilanculos