Navigating Green Energy and Justice in Africa

by Dr Stephanie Borchardt, 25 July 2025

I recently had the opportunity to convene a panel at the 10th European Conference on African Studies (ECAS), held from June 25–28, 2025, at Charles University in Prague. It was an honour to be part of such an intellectually vibrant and energising gathering.

My panel, Green Dreams, Toxic Legacies: The Complexities of Green Energy Development in the Semi-Arid Region of South Africa, focused on the justice dimensions of the green energy transitions happening in South Africa and Namibia. We brought together scholars to critically examine the rapid expansion of solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects in the semi-arid Northern Cape and Namibia. The core of our discussion was how these new energy futures are intersecting with historical patterns of land use, environmental degradation, and socio-political exclusion.

The conversation highlighted the risks of repeating old extractive models, but this time under the guise of sustainability. Panellists raised critical concerns about green extractivism, drawing on real-world examples.

Beyond my own panel, the conference was a vibrant hub of meaningful exchange. I attended several other thought-provoking sessions that delved into urgent themes such as green sacrifice zones, critical mineral extraction, and energy poverty. These discussions provided insights into the socio-political and environmental stakes of the green transition, highlighting the importance of critical, justice-oriented approaches to energy and development.

Engaging with so many scholars from diverse backgrounds was a real pleasure. The conference’s convivial atmosphere created a space where we could openly grapple with the complexities of the green transition in the Global South, grounded in a shared commitment to justice. I look forward to continuing these rich conversations with many of those I had the chance to connect with.