5 Role of Law in the Energy Transitions in Africa …
171
mix to improve access to electricity while simultaneously implementing
strategies for a gradual yet steady energy transition. President Kenyatta,
basking on the success of achieving 70% penetration of REs into the
energy mix, stated that Kenya will aim for a 100% RE penetration by
the end of 2020.
131 Kenya did not need to achieve these feats by separating the regulation of REs from non-REs. Rather, a careful examination
of the Kenyan experience would reveal that achieving a successful energy
transition is dependent on a successful integration of REs into an energy
mix already heavily served by non-REs.
5.4.1.3 The Propriety of Either Pathway in the Context
of the NESI
The first point to note here is that the respective reasoning of both pathways is plausible. While Australia and Germany are testament to the
tenability of separating the regulation of RE from non-REs as a strategy
for energy transition by focusing on diversifying the energy mix through
RE development, Kenya remains a shining example of how a single
holistic electricity law can effectively lead to the integration of REs into
the energy mix and eventual energy transition. It can be said that both
pathways are different highways that ultimately lead to the same destination of affordable, clean and sustainable energy as envisaged in Goal 7
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
132 The rationale for the
adoption of either pathway to arrive at the said destination depends on
varying factors, including country-specific dynamics.
The second point to note is that whether either pathway is adopted or
otherwise, the goal of arriving at the said destination also depends on the
level of government support for either pathway. As highlighted above,
the goal of achieving affordable, clean and sustainable energy through
RE integration and energy transition in Australia, Germany and Kenya
enjoys substantial support from their respective governments through
131 Johnny Wood, ‘Kenya is Aiming to be Powered Entirely by Green Energy by 2020’ (World
Economic Forum, 5 December, 2018), https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/12/kenya-wantsto-run-entirely-on-green-energy-by-2020/.
132 United Nations (n 16).
171
mix to improve access to electricity while simultaneously implementing
strategies for a gradual yet steady energy transition. President Kenyatta,
basking on the success of achieving 70% penetration of REs into the
energy mix, stated that Kenya will aim for a 100% RE penetration by
the end of 2020.
131 Kenya did not need to achieve these feats by separating the regulation of REs from non-REs. Rather, a careful examination
of the Kenyan experience would reveal that achieving a successful energy
transition is dependent on a successful integration of REs into an energy
mix already heavily served by non-REs.
5.4.1.3 The Propriety of Either Pathway in the Context
of the NESI
The first point to note here is that the respective reasoning of both pathways is plausible. While Australia and Germany are testament to the
tenability of separating the regulation of RE from non-REs as a strategy
for energy transition by focusing on diversifying the energy mix through
RE development, Kenya remains a shining example of how a single
holistic electricity law can effectively lead to the integration of REs into
the energy mix and eventual energy transition. It can be said that both
pathways are different highways that ultimately lead to the same destination of affordable, clean and sustainable energy as envisaged in Goal 7
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
132 The rationale for the
adoption of either pathway to arrive at the said destination depends on
varying factors, including country-specific dynamics.
The second point to note is that whether either pathway is adopted or
otherwise, the goal of arriving at the said destination also depends on the
level of government support for either pathway. As highlighted above,
the goal of achieving affordable, clean and sustainable energy through
RE integration and energy transition in Australia, Germany and Kenya
enjoys substantial support from their respective governments through
131 Johnny Wood, ‘Kenya is Aiming to be Powered Entirely by Green Energy by 2020’ (World
Economic Forum, 5 December, 2018), https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/12/kenya-wantsto-run-entirely-on-green-energy-by-2020/.
132 United Nations (n 16).