Africa’s hydropower investment and potential

Hydroelectric power (HEP) is the mainstay of electricity supply in Africa accounting for about 40% of the power. While an estimated 1.4MW of new-build capacity was installed in 2023, the rate of development lags behind projections needed to meet an ever-growing demand for energy and to drive economic growth.

Climate change is also having an impact. Some countries, such as Zambia, have seen periods of prolonged drought and low HEP output, while others, such as Ghana, have seen such an excess of rainfall that they have had to discharge water, bypassing generating units.

African Energy has closely followed HEP projects for over 25 years and uses its depth and breadth of knowledge to provide vital insight into this essential form of renewable generation.

 

Ghana hydropower