The source adds the following:
"It is important to note that these are theoretical assessments, and in many cases, they do not consider environmental impacts or use conflicts with other sectors, such as tourism and agriculture".
Citation formats
Renewable energy potential in Africa 2020, by source
Africa has abundant hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal resources for energy generation. As of 2020, solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind had the largest theoretical onshore renewable energy potential in the continent. According to the source's estimates, roughly 1.5 million terawatt hours per year could be generated by solar PV, while wind had a total energy potential of some 978,000 terawatt hours per year.
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IRENA. (March 31, 2021). Estimated theoretical onshore renewable energy potential in Africa as of 2020, by source (in terawatt hours per year) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from /statistics/1276479/renewable-energy-potential-in-africa-by-source/
IRENA. "Estimated theoretical onshore renewable energy potential in Africa as of 2020, by source (in terawatt hours per year)." Chart. March 31, 2021. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 21, 2026. /statistics/1276479/renewable-energy-potential-in-africa-by-source/
IRENA. (2021). Estimated theoretical onshore renewable energy potential in Africa as of 2020, by source (in terawatt hours per year). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 21, 2026. /statistics/1276479/renewable-energy-potential-in-africa-by-source/
IRENA. "Estimated Theoretical Onshore Renewable Energy Potential in Africa as of 2020, by Source (in Terawatt Hours per Year)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 31 Mar 2021, /statistics/1276479/renewable-energy-potential-in-africa-by-source/
IRENA, Estimated theoretical onshore renewable energy potential in Africa as of 2020, by source (in terawatt hours per year) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1276479/renewable-energy-potential-in-africa-by-source/ (last visited July 21, 2026)
Estimated theoretical onshore renewable energy potential in Africa as of 2020, by source (in terawatt hours per year) [Graph], IRENA, March 31, 2021. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1276479/renewable-energy-potential-in-africa-by-source/
