Chinese solar exports to Africa in April surged 83% year-on-year, as the energy crisis sparked by the Iran war fuels a surge in global demand for renewable energy.
A glut in production in China has led to a collapse in prices for solar panels and parts in recent years, and Beijing is increasingly betting on the African market, where 600 million people still lack access to electricity: South Africa, the biggest purchaser of solar cells and panels, saw an 81% increase last month compared to the year prior, Reuters reported.
With its abundant sunshine, Africa holds roughly 60% of the world’s solar energy potential, but generates only about 1% of global solar power. The ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockade has, meanwhile, driven oil price rises and exposed the continent’s dependence on fossil fuel imports.
