Energy

If the Millennium Development Goals – particularly poverty eradication - are to be met, people everywhere need access to modern, affordable energy services. This is the goal of the EU energy initiative.

It has made energy a higher priority in EU development policy, leading to the creation some specific instruments:

EU-Africa energy partnership

This is a long-term framework for more structured political dialogue and cooperation on energy issues of major importance to Africa and Europe. The partnership builds on existing EU initiatives and instruments:

Existing and new funding instruments from the European Commission and EU governments form an integrated framework of EU instruments, complementing and stimulating private sector activities in the African energy sector.

Goals

effective Africa-EU dialogue on energy access and security
improved access to reliable, secure, affordable, green energy services for both continents
increased European and African investment in energy infrastructure in Africa, including promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Expected outcomes

more investment in energy infrastructure (including renewable energy / energy efficiency) on both supply and demand sides
better management of energy resources (especially use of oil and gas resources for development)
higher electrification rates, development of networks and cross-border interconnections and other energy exchange infrastructure in Africa and between Africa and Europe
better institutional and technical capacities, and donor coordination
expanded Africa-EU energy technology cooperation and transfer
climate change a full part of energy development policy.