Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Assessment of Hydropower Potential in Sub-Saharan Africa: Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Development

Joseph Kwesi Asomah

Abstract

This research paper assesses the hydropower potential in Sub-Saharan Africa, examining opportunities, challenges, and mitigation strategies for sustainable development. Through a systematic review of existing literature and data, the study evaluates the region's hydrological resources, existing infrastructure, and untapped potential. Key findings highlight the significant role of hydropower in addressing energy access, reliability, and affordability challenges, while also identifying environmental, social, technological, and financial constraints. Mitigation strategies, including environmental and social impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, advanced technologies, and supportive policy frameworks, are proposed to address these challenges. Recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and development practitioners aim to promote sustainable hydropower development and maximize its socio- economic benefits. Future research directions include exploring the impacts of climate change, enhancing social acceptance and equity, advancing technological innovation, and reforming policy and governance frameworks. By addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities, Sub-Saharan African countries can harness the full potential of hydropower to achieve sustainable energy development and improve the well-being of their populations.

Keywords

Hydropowersustainable DevelopmentRenewable EnergySub-Saharan Africa

References

Baker,J.,Rickels,W.,&Rehfeld,K.(2015).Financingrenewableenergyinfrastructures:Formulatinga methodologyforadaptivepoliciesinAfrica.JournalofCleanerProduction,93,297-305. Niemeyer,S.,Petrick,K.,&Lüdeke,M.K.B.(2016).Theinfluenceoflargedamsonsurroundingenviron mentandsociety:AcasestudyofBrazilianirrigationschemes.GlobalEnvironmentalChange,38 ,213-225. Ondraczek,J.(2017).Thesunrisesintheeast(ofAfrica):Acomparisonofthedevelopmentandstatusofso larenergymarketsinKenyaandTanzania.EnergyPolicy,101,51-65. Sovacool,B.K.,&Dworkin,M.H.(2015).Energyjusticeinachangingclimate:Perspectivesonthedecar bonizationoftheglobaleconomy.EnergyPolicy,87,211-219. Kumar,A.,etal.(2019).Refurbishment,modernisationandretrofitofhydropowerplants:Areview.Ren ewableEnergy,132,826-843. Sharma,S.,etal.(2020).Capacitybuildingforsmallhydropower:areview.RenewableandSustainableE nergyReviews,118,109493. K. Valentine, https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/renewable-energy-in-africa-is-setto-surge-by-2040-iea- says for “Renewable energy in Africa is set to surge by 2040, IEA says—Our world,” 2014; accessed 31 January, 2020. A. Henry, “Transmission channels of the resource curse in Africa: A time perspective,” Econ. Model. 82, 13–20 (2019). IHA, https://www.hydropower.org/status2019 for “Hydropower status report. International Hydropower Association,” 2019; accessed 11 February, 2020. G. Falchetta, D. E. H. J. Gernaat, J. Hunt, and S. Sterl, “Hydropower dependency and climate change in sub-Saharan Africa: A nexus framework and evidence-based review,” J. Cleaner Prod. 231, 1399–1417 (2019). D. Conway, http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/africa-hydropower-new-dams- increase-risk-supply-disruption/ “Hydropower in Africa: Plans for new dams could increase the risk of disruption to electricity supply,” 2017; accessed 11 February, 2020. ESI Africa, https://www.esi-africa.com/top-stories/the-state-of-wind-energyin-africa/, “The state of wind energy in Africa,” 2018, accessed 28 January, 2020. J. M. Takouleu, https://www.afrik21.africa/en/drc-sinohydro-has-finally-completed-the-zongo-2- hydroelectric-dam/ for “DRC: Sinohydro has finally completed the Zongo 2 hydroelectric dam. Afrik 21,” 2019; accessed 28 January, 2020. M. El Bastawesy, S. Gabr, and I. Mohamed, “Assessment of hydrological changes in the Nile River due to the construction of Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia,” Egypt. J. Remote Sens. Space Sci. 18(1), 65–75 (2015). J. Omondi, https://africa.cgtn.com/2019/07/26/tanzania-begins-constructionof-giant- hydropower-dam/ for “Tanzania begins construction of giant hydropower dam. CGTN Africa,” 2019; accessed 28 January, 2020. S. Liersch, H. Koch, and F. F. Hattermann, “Management scenarios of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and their impacts under recent and future climates,” Water 9(10), 1–24 (2017). M. T. Taye, T. Tadesse, G. B. Senay, and P. Block, “The grand ethiopian renaissance dam: Source of cooperation or contention?,” J. Water Resour. Plann. Manage. 142(11), 1–6 (2016). T. N. Kahsay, O. Kuik, R. Brouwer, and P. van der Zaag, “Estimation of the transboundary economic impacts of the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam: A computable general equilibrium analysis,” Water Resour. Econ. 10, 14–30 (2015). B. G. Habteyes, H. A. E. Hasseen El-bardisy, S. A. Amer, V. R. Schneider, and F. A. Ward, “Mutually beneficial and sustainable management of Ethiopian and Egyptian dams in the Nile Basin,” J. Hydrol. 529, 1235–1246 (2015). ICG, https://d2071andvip0wj.cloudfront.net/271-bridging-the-gap.pdffor “Bridging the gap in the Nile Waters dispute” (2019). M. Piesse, http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/the-grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam- power-for-ethiopia-disaster-for-egypt/ for “The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: Power for Ethiopia, disaster for Egypt?, Future Directions International” (2019), pp. 1–6. B. van der Zwaan and A. Boccalon, “Dalla Longa F. Prospects for hydropower in Ethiopia: An energy-water nexus analysis,” Energy Strategy Rev. 19, 19–30 (2018). International Energy Agency. (2021). Africa Energy Outlook 2021. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/africa-energy-outlook-2021

More Articles from WORLD JOURNAL OF INNOVATION AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY