Is Africa's future hydropower cost-optimal?

Even so, hydropower faces growing threats. Climate change menaces the rivers that turn dams; moreover, hydro faces economic competition from ever cheaper solar and wind power. The result, researchers predicted in the journal Science on 11 August, is that over one-third of Africa’s potential future hydro isn’t cost-optimal.

What is Africa's highest-profile hydropower project?

Perhaps Africa’s highest-profile hydropower project ever, GERD will produce more than 6 gigawatts of electricity when it’s all done. GERD is far from alone. At least 100 GW of hydropower is proposed or in progress across the continent.

Is hydropower a threat to Africa?

Africa, home to four of the world’s 15 largest river drainage basins—the Nile, the Niger, the Congo, and the Zambezi—has plenty of opportunity to build on them. Even so, hydropower faces growing threats. Climate change menaces the rivers that turn dams; moreover, hydro faces economic competition from ever cheaper solar and wind power.

Can solar and wind take over sub-Saharan Africa?

Today, energy analysts divide sub-Saharan Africa into four “power pools” —the largest of them in the south, accounting for most of the region’s power generation alone. Strengthening these power pools and binding them more tightly together may allow solar and wind to take over when hydro falters, and vice versa.

Is Kenya a geothermal powerhouse?

Kenya is Africa’s geothermal powerhouse, leveraging the Rift Valley's geothermal resources to lead in clean energy production. Over 90% of the country’s electricity now comes from renewables, including geothermal, wind, and solar.

Does Ethiopia have a green energy portfolio?

Ethiopia’s renewable energy portfolio is dominated by hydropower, accounting for nearly 90% of its electricity. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydropower project, has become a symbol of the country’s green energy aspirations.