By: Green building Africa

The Middle East region and continent of Africa seem to be keen to be key players in solar energy in Africa and the wider solar PV supply chain, by taking it big and providing full vertical integration. 2030 could see 62.12 GW of solar panel manufacturers, 52.55 GW of cell production, 45 GW of polysilicon and 290,000 tons of MG-si coming from these two regions.

As the region is in close proximity to the European and Sub-Saharan African markets it could potentially meet the growing demand for solar energy locally and neighboring regions at this rate. Making the region well positioned as a likely replacement for South East Asia as an exporter for PV modules. Depending on the US tariffs, the region may even be a likely candidate for export if tariffs remain at 10%, though the 30% tariff on South Africa may provide a challenge.

The manufacturing growth is largely spurred by government support and local content requirements, but challenges remain. Those challenges being grid infrastructure and supply chain disruptions. Though these developments could help in reducing the dependence on foreign suppliers, the lion’s share of the manufacturing capacity would be Chinese. Strengthening supply chain traceability could help mitigate such risks while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Nonetheless, the investments and goals are fantastic as it will create jobs and help the region in its clean energy transition while divesting from fossil fuel alternatives.