Harnessing offshore wind energy in east Africa: the next big move to lighting up the continent

Abstract

This paper reports on a study to assess the potential for future offshore wind energy in the coastal countries of eastern Africa. It identifies the areas that could host offshore wind turbines with depths shallower than 50 m and average wind speeds stronger than 8 m/s. The study revealed a capacity of 98 GW of untapped offshore wind power potential in eastern Africa, a supply that would be sufficient to meet almost 60% of the current energy demand of the whole African continent. The study proposes a politics and geography-based path to be followed for offshore wind energy development to assist with future energy policy and planning. It could have a major beneficial impact on the African population.