The Role of Renewable Energy Sources and Industry 4.0 Focus for Africa: A Review

The fourth industrial revolution presents an upspring opportunity for the African continent to adopt technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, internet-enabled industrial platforms, 3D printing, robotics, nanotechnology, and blockchains. This is more so because the past three industria...

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Published inApplied sciences Vol. 13; no. 2; p. 1074
Main Authors Ukoba, Kingsley, Kunene, Thokozani Justin, Harmse, Pieter, Lukong, Valantine Takwa, Chien Jen, Tien
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.01.2023
Subjects
3-D printers
4IR
Africa
Alternative energy sources
Artificial intelligence
Cloud computing
Digitization
Electricity
energy
Energy resources
Energy sources
Geographical locations
Industrial applications
Industrial development
Industry 4.0
Internet of Things
Manufacturing
Nanotechnology
Natural resources
Personal computers
Quality of life
Quantum computing
renewable energy
Renewable energy sources
Renewable resources
review
Reviews
Robotics
Software
Technology
South Africa
United States > US
Europe
Atlantic Ocean
Africa
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Summary:The fourth industrial revolution presents an upspring opportunity for the African continent to adopt technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, internet-enabled industrial platforms, 3D printing, robotics, nanotechnology, and blockchains. This is more so because the past three industrial revolutions saw the African continent being left out of its opportunities despite its affluent population and natural resources. Africa stands to benefit from industrial development, digitalization, and greater integration, which would result in more excellent opportunities for the growing youthful populations. However, for the digital transformation strategy and other key industry 4.0 opportunities to be successful, reliable infrastructure, affordable and stable electricity, and greater awareness are critical and imperative. This review examines the possible energy options that the continent of Africa can explore and implement for the successful deployment of Industry 4.0. The impact, difficulties, and opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution technologies on African development are discussed. Also discussed are various forms of renewable energy options based on Africa’s geographic location. This review will assist researchers and policymakers in implementing Industry 4.0 in Africa.
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app13021074