Publication date: 28 January 2025
Authors: IOP Publishing
Description: Africa’s energy transition is unique and complicated by—among other things—the pervasive presence of ‘Zombie Energy Systems’ (ZES). These are outdated, inefficient, and environmentally harmful energy systems that persist despite being obsolete (e.g. old and mismanaged electrical grid systems and obsolete electrical appliances). These ZES hinder Africa’s energy transition, yet they receive limited attention in the international energy development arena. Rooted in colonial-era legacies, economic constraints, and policy shortcomings, these energy systems have led to a persistent misalignment between energy supply and development goals, perpetuating energy poverty and limiting economic growth. In this piece, we identify ZES as a critical barrier to Africa’s energy transition, arguing that addressing it requires more than just infrastructure replacement.
