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How to conceive a fair, relevant, and consequently efficient energy transition?
Natural gas plays an important role in Africa's energy transition. Natural gas deposits are already
present in Africa and many countries, led by Nigeria and Algeria, have distinguished themselves by
implementing innovative exploitation strategies.Although natural gas is a fossil fuel, available in limited
quantities and, by definition, non-renewable on a human timescale, it appears to be less polluting than
many fuels used in Africa. Indeed, gas emits CO2 during combustion, but 30% less than oil and half as
much as coal, which is less harmful to air quality. It is therefore truly transitional energy.

What does Nigeria, Africa's leading economic power, think about it?
As the Nigerian vice-president rightly pointed out, "The energy access component of the transition
must be linked to the emissions reduction component. For too long, we have seen these as parallel
tracks, but if we are to reach the goal of zero net emissions by 2050, we must start by ending energy
poverty by 2030. If energy access issues are not addressed, the growing energy demand will continue to
be met by highly polluting and deforestation-causing fuels such as diesel, kerosene, and firewood."
Nigeria's Minister of State, Chief Timipre Sylva, defended the nation's position by saying: "We want to
rely on gas to make our transition to renewables. Let's face it, we are not the highest carbon emitters.
Today, when we talk about carbon emissions, it is really not a concern for Africans because what we
emit is even below the targets set for 2030-2040. We are asking that we be allowed to secure our basic
energy supply with gas, which is a clean fuel that we have in abundance. Obviously, we will develop
renewables in parallel because we are committed to achieving zero net emissions by 2060."
Likewise, the International Energy Agency (IEA) believes gas can be used in a scenario that is
compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement. In its so-called "sustainable development" scenario, the
demand for oil and coal should fall rapidly while natural gas should, on the contrary, increase by 10%
until the end of the 2020s. According to the International Energy Agency, the primary goal of this
relatively cheap and plentiful energy source is to replace coal, which is very polluting but is widely used
today for electricity generation.

Liquefied natural gas tanker

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