Energy use and CO₂ emissions in the West and Central African region

This paper discusses CO₂ emissions resulting from energy use in the West and Central African region. It reviews the role of energy in the regional economy, summarizing the availability of energy resources, historic energy production and energy consumption in the region. At present, energy consumption in the region is very low both on a per capita and absolute basis. The paper also presents a two-scenario analysis of the future trend of energy consumption in the region. It covers the 40 year period between 1985 and 2025. The energy requirement over this period grows rapidly. It was then used to estimate future CO₂ emissions. Some indicators of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions were also calculated.