(CNN) From an Africa-shaped mega solar plant powering Kigali, Rwanda, to a massive geothermal plant harvesting the power of Kenya's hot springs, renewable energy plants are popping up around the continent. Sub-Saharan Africa is desperately short of power and roughly 620 million Africans live without a reliable source of electricity. Africa's population is expected to double by 2050 and the demand for clean energy has never been greater, says Caroline Kende-Robb, executive director, Africa Progress Panel. She believes the continent could soon become a renewables superpower, and that it can leapfrog carbon-centered energy systems and go straight to renewables. "Because what we see is that Africa has got the advantage of coming in now without the heavy old systems that a lot of other countries and regions have," says Kende-Robb.New renewable energy projects are emerging across AfricaWith the population expected to double by 2050, the demand for electricity is growingAs the continent leapfrogs old-fashioned energy systems, could it become a leader in renewable energy?
Many _ rely on cooking with wood and charcoal, making indoor pollution a big issue -- 600,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa die every year from indoor pollution. Many Africans rely on cooking with wood and charcoal, making indoor pollution a big issue -- 600,000 people in sub-_ die every year from indoor pollution. "The demand is there, people will find the money and they will pay for it," says Kende-_.