Policy Perspectives of the Renewable Energy Landscape in Cameroon: Status, Drivers, Challenges and Enabling Frameworks

Abstract

Cameroon, like most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is grappling with inadequate electricity generation capacity and energy security issues amid an increasing energy demand and the goal to ensure 100% access to electricity and clean cooking for its citizens. The government has identified the uptake of renewable energy technologies (RETs) as instrumental to increasing electricity generation, as well as meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitments and overall long-term developmental goals. The nation’s strategies so far have yielded little results due to a combination of factors, ranging from financial to regulatory aspects. This study analyzes the existing renewable energy infrastructure, identifying the motivations and factors that influence the implementation of renewable energy policies and the challenges and barriers faced. It also explores the existing policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms, provide insights into the policy gaps and suggests enabling mechanisms that will enable a more favorable environment for renewable energy investments and development in Cameroon. Although the policies posited are focused primarily for the energy system of Cameroon, they can be extended to sub-Saharan African countries and in the global context, provided that local conditions are accounted for. Adopting the recommended policy frameworks will stimulate, support and ensure the sustained development and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the nation and in the subregion.