Major economies around the globe have historically relied heavily on oil and coal, leading to significant environmental impacts and climate change. To halt this trend, experts believe that transitioning away from fossil fuels should be completed by 2050. Researchers Sven Teske and Saori Miyake studied the renewable energy capacity of the G20 nations and determined that these countries have the potential to produce more than enough renewable energy for the entire planet. However, for African nations to reap the benefits, they need to implement sustainable energy strategies and secure funding from G20 countries to build renewable infrastructure.

Why is the G20 crucial in tackling global warming?

The G20 group represents about 67% of the world’s population, 85% of the world’s economic output, and 75% of international trade. This group includes the G7 countries (the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Canada), along with Australia, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.

Our research aimed to identify methods by which G20 nations can mitigate climate change. We analyzed the solar and wind energy potential across these countries, considering available land and resources, and compared this to the projected energy demands for 2050—making this one of the first studies of its kind.

Our findings showed that G20 countries possess enormous renewable energy potential, sufficient to meet the world’s projected electricity needs by 2050. They have access to 33.6 million km² of land suitable for solar energy projects, and another 31.1 million km² that can host wind energy installations.

It’s important to note that this potential varies geographically. Not every G20 member has the same level of conditions for generating solar and wind energy, yet collectively they hold the capacity to satisfy global energy requirements.

To effectively combat climate change, G20 countries must also significantly reduce their carbon emissions. Reports indicate that these nations account for 87% of all energy-related carbon emissions contributing to global warming.

In contrast, African countries (excluding South Africa, which has high emissions) were responsible for just 1.2% of total historical global emissions up to 2020.

The G20 countries with the greatest renewable energy potential, such as Australia and Canada, are also key exporters of fossil fuels. To prevent worsening climate change, all nations must aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

What role does Africa play?

African nations cannot pursue new power plants that rely on fossil fuels like coal, as this would undermine the global goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Instead, the continent must focus on providing electricity to the 600 million Africans currently lacking access by advancing directly into renewable energy solutions.

Securing financial backing will be critical for this transition. The African Union will host the G20 summit later this year, right after the annual global climate conference (now in its 30th year, known as COP30). Both events will be platforms for Africa to advocate for renewable energy funding from wealthier nations.

With its abundant resources, Africa can produce more solar and wind power than it needs to meet anticipated electricity demands between now and 2050.

We are planning further research on the continent’s solar and wind capabilities in Bonn, Germany, on June 19, 2025, at a UN conference. This research indicates that only 3% of Africa’s renewable potential needs to be harnessed to meet future energy demands.

This shows that Africa has significant untapped potential for energy generation, contributing to its goal of becoming a middle-income continent, as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

However, to secure the necessary funding, African nations need coherent, long-term energy policies—which are currently insufficient.

What steps should be taken?

Countries that signed the 2015 climate agreement (the Paris Accord) have pledged to replace harmful energy sources like coal and oil with renewable alternatives.

With South Africa in charge of the G20 presidency, it must motivate fellow nations to lower their greenhouse gas emissions and fund renewable energy initiatives in Africa.

Because transitioning to renewable energy is a top priority for many nations, South Africa should advocate for changes in three key areas: finance, effective regulations, and manufacturing capacity for renewable technologies. These are crucial challenges that particularly affect Africa.

Finance: Securing funding for energy transitions is high on the agenda for COP30. This conference presents an opportunity for the African Union to seek necessary financing for renewable infrastructure.

Achieving this requires fair and equitable carbon budgets. A carbon budget defines how much carbon dioxide can be emitted to keep global temperatures from rising more than 2°C from pre-industrial levels.

While a global carbon budget exists, it must be allocated fairly, pressuring the most polluting countries to limit their emissions.

To establish an equitable carbon budget, energy strategies must consider:

• anticipated population and economic growth
• current energy supply systems
• timelines for reducing emissions
• local renewable energy resources.

The G20 forum should be leveraged to advocate for fair and equitable carbon budgets.

Effective regulations to support new industries: Governments must create policies that foster African solar and wind companies, building trust among investors in what could become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Long-term, clear regulations are also necessary.

These regulations should:

• outline the process for granting permits for solar and wind installations
• prioritize connecting renewable plants to national power grids
• provide standard technical specifications for independent energy systems to ensure uniform quality.

By taking proactive steps to fast-track large-scale renewable energy projects, African nations could potentially produce more energy than needed, allowing for exports and increased financial benefits.