World energy experts urge G20 to help Africa solve power crises

World energy experts called Friday on the G20 countries to increase their investments in Africa to solve its electricity crises.

The appeal was made at the 6th International Energy Forum in Istanbul, Turkey. More than 400 energy experts are taking part in the event.

Experts agreed at the forum that G20's primary aim under the presidency of Turkey should be the integration of Africa with the rest of the world in the energy field.

Almost two thirds of the population of Africa (620 million people) still have no electricity, according the the data provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Turkey prepares to come up with new suggestions on how to mobilize investments in sub-Saharan countries in the final G20 summit in Antalya that will be held in November, said Fatih Birol, chief economist of IEA.

Speaking about the enormous energy opportunities and resources of Africa, Birol said that solar energy, hydro power, oil and gas are among the major resources of the continent.

"When we talk about oil market, more than 30 percent of the new oil discovery comes from sub-Saharan Africa," he added.

While Africa has been suffering tremendously from electricity shortage, more than 80 percent of the world energy are consumed within the G20 countries, the energy experts said.

Entire electricity that is consumed in Africa is equal to that of New York, Birol pointed out.

Enabling uninterrupted energy source with a good price is among the top targets of G20, said Guler Sabanci, chairman of the board of Trustees of Sabanci University of Turkey, which hosts the forum.

The experts also expressed their hope that the G20 will provide effective solutions to the global energy challenges before Antalya summit. After the summit, Turkey will hand over the presidency to China. Endit