By Thuita Gatero
In a bold move to reshape Africa’s energy landscape, Africa Clean Energy Solutions (Aces) Renewables is forging ahead with four utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and biomass projects across Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.
With a combined capacity of 268 MW, these developments signal a significant step toward sustainable power generation in a continent rich in renewable potential but often hamstrung by infrastructure and investment challenges.
Even more intriguing, further phases at two of these plants could nearly double the capacity, adding up to 400 MW. But can Aces’ vision overcome the region’s systemic barriers and ignite a clean energy revolution?
Aces Renewables, a developer focused on harnessing Africa’s abundant solar and biomass resources, is targeting four countries with distinct energy needs and renewable energy profiles.
The 268 MW portfolio spans solar PV and biomass, two technologies well-suited to Africa’s diverse climates and resource availability. Solar PV leverages the continent’s unparalleled sunshine—Africa receives more hours of bright sunlight annually than any other continent—while biomass taps into agricultural and organic waste, abundant in rural economies like those of Kenya and Uganda.
Kenya: Known for its leadership in geothermal and solar, Kenya boasts over 80% renewable electricity, with solar contributing significantly to off-grid and grid-connected systems. Aces’ project here likely builds on this momentum, targeting utility-scale solar to meet rising urban and industrial demand. Kenya’s 2021 electrification rate of 76.5% shows progress, but gaps remain in rural areas, where biomass could play a role.
South Africa: The continent’s renewable energy powerhouse, South Africa added 1.2 GW of solar PV in 2024 alone, driven by policy reforms and private investment. Aces’ involvement could capitalize on the country’s maturing market, where solar and biomass complement efforts to reduce reliance on coal, which still accounts for 34% of installed capacity.
Uganda: With only 18.9% electricity access in 2021 and heavy biomass reliance (93% of rural energy needs), Uganda presents both opportunity and challenge. Aces’ solar PV project could bolster the grid, which currently includes 88.3 MW of solar out of 1,847.5 MW total capacity, while biomass offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based cooking.
Zambia: Facing hydropower variability due to droughts, Zambia is diversifying through solar, with 74.8 MW added in 2024. Aces’ project aligns with initiatives like the Scaling Solar program, which has driven competitive tariffs. Biomass could further stabilize rural energy supply, reducing diesel dependency.
The potential for an additional 400 MW in later phases at two plants underscores Aces’ long-term commitment. If realized, the total capacity could approach 668 MW, enough to power roughly 500,000 African households annually, assuming average consumption patterns.
Africa’s energy deficit is stark: 600 million people lack electricity, and 970 million rely on traditional biomass for cooking, contributing to deforestation and health issues. Yet, the continent holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, with only 9.4 GW of utility-scale solar installed by 2023—1.7% of global capacity.
Biomass, meanwhile, could generate up to 1,650 MW in Uganda alone if fully exploited, according to government estimates. Aces’ 268 MW portfolio, while modest globally, is a meaningful addition in this context, equivalent to nearly 3% of Africa’s current solar capacity.
The projects align with regional trends. South Africa’s renewable auctions have attracted private capital, while Kenya’s tax exemptions on solar equipment have spurred growth.
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Zambia’s Scaling Solar initiative yielded some of the world’s lowest tariffs in 2016, and Uganda’s National Development Plan II emphasizes renewable diversification. These policies create fertile ground for Aces, but challenges like grid reliability, financing, and regulatory delays persist.
Economically, Aces’ projects could stimulate job creation and local industry. Solar PV installations in Kenya have already drawn manufacturers, and South Africa’s renewable sector employed 24,000 people in 2023.
Biomass projects, particularly in Uganda and Zambia, could support farmers by monetizing agricultural waste, fostering rural economies. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that renewables could create 2 million jobs in Africa by 2030 if investments scale up.
Environmentally, the shift from coal and diesel to solar and biomass is critical. Sub-Saharan Africa’s emissions are low per capita, but coal-heavy South Africa alone accounts for 95% of the region’s coal-generated electricity.
Aces’ 268 MW could offset approximately 350,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, assuming it displaces fossil fuels. Biomass, if managed sustainably, offers a near-zero carbon alternative to traditional wood burning, reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution, which causes 500,000 premature deaths yearly in Africa.
Despite the promise, Aces faces hurdles. Financing remains a bottleneck—only 0.6% of global renewable investment ($434 billion) reached Africa in 2021. High capital costs and risk premiums deter investors, particularly in Uganda and Zambia, where political and currency risks loom.
Grid infrastructure is another concern; Uganda’s grid reaches less than 60% of urban areas, and South Africa’s faces wheeling constraints. Biomass projects risk scrutiny over land use and sustainability, requiring robust supply chains to avoid ecological harm.
The Inga II turbine delay in the DRC, as seen in Kamoa-Kakula’s case, illustrates the region’s infrastructure woes. Aces must navigate similar uncertainties, such as Zambia’s drought-induced hydropower shortages or Uganda’s slow net-metering rollout.
Scaling to 400 MW will demand significant capital and coordination, potentially straining Aces’ resources unless backed by multilateral lenders like the World Bank or private equity platforms like Zafiri, which aims to mobilize $1 billion for African renewables.
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Aces’ initiative raises a deeper question: can targeted renewable projects catalyze systemic change in Africa’s energy sector? Success hinges on execution—delivering reliable power, securing community buy-in, and proving financial viability. If Aces leverages local expertise and partnerships, as seen in Kenya’s solar manufacturing or South Africa’s auction model, it could set a replicable standard. The additional 400 MW phases offer a tantalizing prospect, potentially transforming the projects into regional hubs for clean energy innovation.
Comparisons to initiatives like Scaling Solar, which faltered after early wins, highlight the need for transparency and scalability. Aces must avoid opaque deals and ensure benefits reach local communities, not just corporate balance sheets. With global pledges to triple renewable capacity by 2030, as endorsed by 123 countries at COP28, Aces’ timing is opportune but pressured.
If Aces succeeds, it could light the way for others, proving that Africa’s sun and soil can power progress without the environmental toll of the past. Will it spark a revolution, or merely flicker in a challenging landscape? The answer lies in execution—and Africa is watching.
