A holistic overview of Cameroon renewable energy sources: potentials, achievements, challenges and perspectives

Abstract

In this paper, Cameroon renewable energy potentials, achievements, challenges and perspectives have been investigated. Cameroon has a huge and diversify renewable energy resources that has not been fully exploited. The primary energy produced in 2018 was 12007 ktoe, of which 55.96% was from biofuels, 3.60% from hydroelectricity, 0.01% from wind and solar photovoltaic and 40.42% from fossil fuels. Furthermore, the total electricity produced was 8626 GWh with 58.23% from hydropower, 0.22% from solar photovoltaic, 0.46% from biofuels and 41.09% from fossil fuels. This investigation shows that geothermal energy potential needs to be investigated while the wind energy technology is still in its infancy stage. The Cameroonian government’s effort to encourage the utilization of renewable energy technologies have also been discussed and key barriers for the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies have been pointed out. This study concludes with recommendations for an efficient and effective development of renewable energy.