African-EU Renewable Energy Program (RECP) to be Launched

In the first successfully concluded "First High Level Meeting" of the Africa-EU Energy Partnership, "Ministers and high level representatives from 21 European and 32 African countries adopted concrete goals for the future of the Partnership". The launching of the Program's first initiative, the Africa-EU Renewable Energy Cooperation Programme (RECP) was also launched. According to the African-EU Energy Program (AEEP) website, the objectives of the REPC include the following: (1) address key capacity needs for catalyzing the growth of renewable energy in Africa , (2) mobilize the technology expertise and innovation capacity of Europe for building knowledge and capacity in Africa, and (3) support the growth of a new industrial sector in Africa. These objectives are seen to "help build a significant new area for industrial trade and business cooperation between Africa and Europe". The focus of the RECP will include: (1) the establishment of a more detailed scientific knowledge about renewable energy resources and options in Africa, (2) the promotion of effective policies and instruments and "twinning" between European and African energy authorities, (3) the defining of strategies for exploitation and use of the most promising renewable energy sources in Africa, including hydropower, geothermal, wind, biomass and solar sources, (4) the facilitation of technology transfer and the establishment of joint ventures, public-private partnerships and joint investments, and (5) the intensification of high public visibility and awareness activities regarding the scope and potential for renewable energy in Africa, leading to more political support and increased investments.

More information on the Africa-EU Renewable Energy Cooperation Program (RECP) http://www.aeep-conference.org/documents/aeep_recp.pdf