MITIGATING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN AFRICA’S GREEN ENERGY SECTOR

This case study compendium by Natural Justice examines human rights violations associated with green energy projects in Africa, arguing that the 'just' component of the Just Energy Transition is often neglected. Through examples in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, and Senegal, the document highlights systemic failures in public participation, land rights protections, and environmental safeguards, providing policy recommendations to center human and environmental rights in the energy transition.

• Green hydrogen projects in South Africa, specifically in Boegoebaai and Ermelo, have been linked to insufficient public consultation and threats to land rights. Communities report a lack of information regarding project benefits and impacts, while the use of 'Strategic Integrated Projects' status allows for fast-tracked environmental authorisations. There are further concerns that these projects may rely on gas due to insufficient renewable energy supplies, and that desalination processes could harm aquatic life and water sources.
• Namibia's green hydrogen initiatives, such as the project in Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park involving the Hyphen consortium, raise concerns about biodiversity loss and socio-economic inequality. The project involves allocating 4,000 km2 for Phase 1 and a proposed 14,000 km2 for Phase 2. Critics question the local benefit, as hydrogen is intended for export to Germany while Namibia continues to import expensive coal-produced electricity. Technical risks include the disposal of toxic brine from desalination and the lack of specialized GH2 storage terminals.
• Kenya's Nuclear Power Programme, managed by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), has been criticized for failing to consult local communities, who were categorized as "low interest" stakeholders in the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) report. The programme targets a 1,000 MW plant by 2027, with candidate sites often located in areas inhabited by "vulnerable and marginalised" groups. The SESA report is noted for ignoring cradle-to-grave carbon emissions and the impacts on culture, heritage, and high-sensitivity coastal ecosystems.
• Geothermal exploration in Kenya, specifically the Sosian Energy Limited project in the Menengai Caldera crater, has faced legal challenges over flawed public participation and unfulfilled promises of jobs and infrastructure. Reported environmental and health impacts include acid rain, earthquakes, noise pollution, and respiratory issues. The project is criticized for failing to conduct baseline air quality data collection or a comprehensive health assessment.
• The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project in Kenya serves as a cautionary example of illegal land acquisition. The High Court in Nairobi nullified title deeds for 150,000 acres of community land used by the Rendilles, Turkanas, Samburus, and El Molos pastoralist communities. Despite providing 17% of Kenya's installed capacity, the project has been marred by controversies over customary land rights and unfair job distribution between the Turkana and Samburu people.
• The Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) in Kenya, funded by the World Bank, has been criticized for a lack of transparency and the absence of community-led grievance mechanisms. In Kwale County, community members reported illegal mangrove logging to clear land for the project and expressed uncertainty regarding the affordability of the electricity provided by the mini-grid.
• Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) in South Africa and Senegal are criticized for lacking transparency and inclusive governance. While South Africa's partnership involves $8.5 billion (mostly loans) and Senegal's involves Euro 2.5 billion to increase renewables to 40%, both countries continue to grant licenses for gas exploration. There is a highlighted need to prioritize energy access for rural households and women, who bear the bulk of home energy responsibilities.

APA

Natural Justice (2020). MITIGATING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN AFRICA’S GREEN ENERGY SECTOR. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Centring-Justice-in-the-Just-Energy-Transition-3.pdf

Chicago

Natural Justice. MITIGATING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN AFRICA’S GREEN ENERGY SECTOR. 2020. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Centring-Justice-in-the-Just-Energy-Transition-3.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Natural Justice |title=MITIGATING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN AFRICA’S GREEN ENERGY SECTOR |date=January 2020 |url=https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Centring-Justice-in-the-Just-Energy-Transition-3.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{naturaljustice2020mitigating, author = {{Natural Justice}}, title = {{MITIGATING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN AFRICA’S GREEN ENERGY SECTOR}}, institution = {Natural Justice}, year = {2020}, month = jan, url = {https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Centring-Justice-in-the-Just-Energy-Transition-3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }