Transparency, priorities and financial risks of the ‘Scaling up renewables in Africa’ campaign

Question for written answer E-002617/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)

The 'Scaling up renewables in Africa' campaign, part of the EUR 150 billion Global Gateway Africa-Europe investment package, risks wasting EU taxpayer money on inefficient initiatives. Previous EU-funded projects in Africa have been plagued by corruption, inflated costs and a lack of tangible results for local communities. Furthermore, the campaign prioritises experimental projects, such as hydrogen production, while neglecting immediate, cost-effective means of meeting energy needs, such as solar and wind. With inflation and economic instability already pressing concerns, the financing structure of this campaign could deepen dependency on EU funding without producing sustainable outcomes.

• 1.What guarantees can the Commission provide to EU taxpayers so they can be sure that this campaign will not lead to mismanagement, corruption or ineffective use of funds, as seen in past projects?
• 2.Why is the campaign prioritising speculative hydrogen technologies over proven, lower-cost solutions such as solar and wind power, especially when African nations urgently need affordable and reliable energy[1]?
• 3.How will the Commission ensure that EU investments do not perpetuate dependency or economic instability in African countries, while also safeguarding EU taxpayers against inflationary and financial risks resulting from poorly structured financing models?

Submitted: 21.11.2024

• [1] Löhr, K. et al., 'Just Energy Transition: Learning from the Past for a More Just and Sustainable Hydrogen Transition in West Africa', Land, Vol.11, Issue 12, 2022, article no: 2193, https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122193.