By Abbas Nazil
A recent online poll conducted by NatureNews Africa has revealed that majority of respondents across the continent regard solar power as the most viable renewable energy source for Africa’s future investment.
According to the results, 61.0 percent of participants selected solar energy as their top choice, citing its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential to provide power in remote areas.
Wind energy came in a distant second, with 20.3 percent of the total votes, followed closely by hydropower which received 18.6 percent .
Interestingly, geothermal energy received no support in the poll, with 0 percent of the respondents considering it a priority for the continent’s energy investments.
The poll was carried out across all major social media platforms managed by NatureNews Africa, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.
Thousands of participants were said to have taken part in the exercise, providing a broad perspective on public opinion regarding renewable energy development on the continent.
The result comes at a critical time when African nations are under increasing pressure to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy alternatives in the face of climate change and energy insecurity.
Solar power’s dominance in the poll reflects its growing adoption across African countries, driven by the abundance of sunlight throughout the year and the falling cost of solar panels and battery storage technologies.
Stakeholders in the energy sector have noted that solar energy offers an immediate and scalable solution to rural electrification, an issue that continues to hamper economic growth and social development in many African communities.
The low performance of geothermal energy may be linked to limited awareness and its geographical concentration in only a few East African countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia.
Experts also point out that while hydropower has been a traditional source of electricity in Africa, growing environmental concerns and the impact of droughts on dam operations may be reducing public enthusiasm.
Wind energy, on the other hand, is gaining attention but is still considered less feasible in many regions due to inconsistent wind patterns and the technical challenges involved in large-scale deployment.
NatureNews Africa stated that the aim of the poll was to assess public sentiment and awareness about the various renewable energy sources and how they align with Africa’s development needs.
With solar energy leading by a significant margin, it sends a clear message to policymakers and investors on the direction public support leans in the pursuit of a cleaner, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for Africa.
