The African Union participated in the 8th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency hosted by the French Ministry of Energy Transition and International Energy Agency from June 7-8, 2023 in Versailles, France. The conference brought together over 30 ministers, 40 CEOs and 700 leaders to discuss the role of energy efficiency to address the global energy and climate crises.

African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, stressed Africa's ambition to rapidly adopt energy efficiency to address energy access and security challenges. "Universal access to reliable and affordable energy remains Africa's priority. Energy efficiency based on reliable data and indicators provides a powerful tool for energy efficiency that could optimize the use of existing energy,"

Citing the recent Energy Saving Assessment conducted by African Energy Commission (AFREC), the Commissioner highlighted the Southern Africa region alone could save up to US$8.billion and reduce 140 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2030 through Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)  for appliances and equipment.

Dr. Abou-Zeid pointed out energy demand reduction could prevent the need to build 7 to 11 large power plants by 2030, saving US$7 to 11 billion in costs. “Emissions savings of 12 to 21 million tons per year could equal taking 3 to 5 million cars off the road. The freed electricity could supply over 50 million African homes” added Commissioner Abou-Zeid.

During a high-level ministerial session, the Commissioner also addressed energy security issues and called for inclusive energy targets that consider emerging countries' needs.  “When it comes to energy security, no one is secure unless we are all secure," the Commissioner stressed, calling for increased collaboration and data sharing between Africa and Europe to boost both continents' energy goals. She also urged governments and companies to stop "dumping sub-standard, polluting and unsafe products in Africa," and instead work together to develop high-quality, efficient solutions.

As part of the African Union’s effort in improving energy access, energy security and affordability, AFREC is currently developing the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (AfEES). AfEES aims to develop high-level energy efficiency targets and measures for buildings, power, industry, transport, agriculture and services to be adopted at Continental, Regional and National levels to decouple economic growth from primary energy consumption. 

On the sidelines, Dr Abou-Zeid discussed potential cooperation with Danish and French ministers as well as Schneider Electric to advance Africa's energy transition and efficiency goals through guidelines, expertise sharing and project implementation.

For media inquiries, please contact:

1. Bezayit Eyoel| Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| Mobile:  +251913223288 | E-mail: BezayitE@africa-union.org|
2.  Molalet Tsedeke| Directorate of Information and Communication| African Union Commission |mobile+251 (0) 911630631| E-mail: MolalettT@africa-union.org|

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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