96
N. Kidunduhu
need to find a compromise that will allow African countries to develop
their reserves and consequently their economies while simultaneously
constraining carbon emissions.
3.4.1.1 Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation
Carbon emissions are attributed to four factors—the carbon intensity of
energy, the energy intensity of economic output, economic output and
population growth.
88 Accordingly, in order to constrain carbon emissions
while permitting economic development, countries must either cut back
their energy intensity or their carbon intensity or do both.
Energy efficiency and energy conservation are suitable strategies for
reducing energy intensity. Although both energy efficiency and energy
conservation are energy intensity reducing measures, the former involves
the use of technology to reduce energy intensity (reducing the energy
used per level of production output) whereas the latter is making
behavioural adjustments in order to reduce energy intensity (absolute
energy savings).
89
African governments will thus have to create low carbon consuming
habits and lifestyle consciousness through education and training as well
as promote technical actions that improve energy efficiency thus allowing
fossil fuel expansion albeit tempered to reduce energy intensity.
3.4.1.2 Clean Fossil Fuel Technology
African governments should also consider sustainably deploying fossil
fuels using clean fossil fuel technologies. An example of such technologies is Clean Coal Technologies (CCTs). CCTs reduce GHGs when
coal is used for heat and power generation either through altering the
characteristics of the coal (coal upgrading technologies) or improving
88 Yoichi Kaya and Keiichi Yokobori Environment, Energy, and Economy: Strategies for Sustainability (United Nations University Press 1997).
89 US Energy Information Agency, ‘Use Of Energy Explained’ (2019), https://www.eia.gov/ene
rgyexplained/use-of-energy/efficiency-and-conservation.php, accessed 9 August 2019.
N. Kidunduhu
need to find a compromise that will allow African countries to develop
their reserves and consequently their economies while simultaneously
constraining carbon emissions.
3.4.1.1 Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation
Carbon emissions are attributed to four factors—the carbon intensity of
energy, the energy intensity of economic output, economic output and
population growth.
88 Accordingly, in order to constrain carbon emissions
while permitting economic development, countries must either cut back
their energy intensity or their carbon intensity or do both.
Energy efficiency and energy conservation are suitable strategies for
reducing energy intensity. Although both energy efficiency and energy
conservation are energy intensity reducing measures, the former involves
the use of technology to reduce energy intensity (reducing the energy
used per level of production output) whereas the latter is making
behavioural adjustments in order to reduce energy intensity (absolute
energy savings).
89
African governments will thus have to create low carbon consuming
habits and lifestyle consciousness through education and training as well
as promote technical actions that improve energy efficiency thus allowing
fossil fuel expansion albeit tempered to reduce energy intensity.
3.4.1.2 Clean Fossil Fuel Technology
African governments should also consider sustainably deploying fossil
fuels using clean fossil fuel technologies. An example of such technologies is Clean Coal Technologies (CCTs). CCTs reduce GHGs when
coal is used for heat and power generation either through altering the
characteristics of the coal (coal upgrading technologies) or improving
88 Yoichi Kaya and Keiichi Yokobori Environment, Energy, and Economy: Strategies for Sustainability (United Nations University Press 1997).
89 US Energy Information Agency, ‘Use Of Energy Explained’ (2019), https://www.eia.gov/ene
rgyexplained/use-of-energy/efficiency-and-conservation.php, accessed 9 August 2019.