Can renewable energy meet Africa’s development needs?

This work applies economic forecasting and energy analysis to explore the potential for Africa to meet electricity demand from its vast hydropower resources under various growth scenarios. The impacts of population growth and growth in demand for energy services are considered, as well as the effects of decreasing water levels on electricity generation. Total electricity demand under various growth scenarios is compared with total hydroelectric generating capabilities. Results show that in 24 countries, when operating at full capacity, the installed hydropower can supply more than enough electricity to meet current demand. But, under various growth scenarios, the current installation operating at full capacity would not be able to meet half of the projected electricity demand by 2030. Thus, further exploitation of hydro potential is needed.