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The EU-Africa Energy Partnership: Towards a mutually beneficial renewable transport energy alliance?

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  • Charles, Michael B.
  • Ryan, Rachel
  • Oloruntoba, Richard
  • Heidt, Tania von der
  • Ryan, Neal

Abstract

The European Union's EU-Africa Energy Partnership, with respect to its emphasis on transport fuels, aims to ensure that Member States can fulfil agreed upon commitments to sustainable energy via the importation of biomass grown in sub-Saharan Africa. This policy aims to reduce the dependence of developing sub-Saharan nations on fossil-fuels, while ensuring the global proliferation of alternative transport energy generation as a means to combat climate change. Though the policy seems equitable in theory, and indeed mutually beneficial, several important issues arise. The paper examines the EU-Africa Energy Policy in the context of biofuels in particular, with a view to identifying potential flaws and imbalances and making policy recommendations. Aside from establishing critical uncertainties, the study adduces environmental science, historical comparanda and economic theory in order to assess the various threats associated with aspects of the policy, especially in light of previous policies that have stifled the development of sub-Saharan economies. In addition, the paper has substantial relevance to developing and newly industrialized nations in Asia and South America also seeking to invest in biomass cultivation and production.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles, Michael B. & Ryan, Rachel & Oloruntoba, Richard & Heidt, Tania von der & Ryan, Neal, 2009. "The EU-Africa Energy Partnership: Towards a mutually beneficial renewable transport energy alliance?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(12), pages 5546-5556, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:37:y:2009:i:12:p:5546-5556
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    2. Franziska Schuenemann & William A. Kerr, 2019. "European Union non-tariff barriers to imports of African biofuels," Agrekon, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(4), pages 407-425, October.
    3. Taku Fundira & Giles Henley, 2017. "Biofuels in Southern Africa: Political economy, trade, and policy environment," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2017-48, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    4. Kang, Moon Jung & Hwang, Jongwoon, 2016. "Structural dynamics of innovation networks funded by the European Union in the context of systemic innovation of the renewable energy sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 471-490.
    5. Taku Fundira & Giles Henley, 2017. "Biofuels in Southern Africa: Political economy, trade, and policy environment," WIDER Working Paper Series 048, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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