Africa Set to Lead Global Hydropower Growth by 2025
Africa is projected to add over 4,200 megawatts (MW) of new hydropower capacity in 2025, establishing itself as the fastest growing region for hydropower worldwide, according to recent findings from the International Hydropower Association (IHA).
The report, titled Global Hydropower Outlook 2026, reveals that the continent successfully brought 4,297 MW of new hydropower capacity online in the past year, marking the second consecutive year in which additions surpassed 4,000 MW.
Major Factors Driving Growth in Africa
The surge in capacity is largely attributable to the completion of significant megaprojects in Ethiopia and Tanzania, despite the fact that over 90 percent of Africa’s hydropower potential remains untapped. The findings stand in stark contrast to Nigeria, which, despite its abundant hydropower resources, continues to face persistent electricity shortages, frequent grid failures, and the most significant electricity access deficit globally.
Renewable Energy Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
Malcolm Turnbull, president of the IHA, remarked that nations are increasingly turning to hydropower and energy storage solutions to secure reliable power as their dependence on renewable energy rises amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
He noted that as energy systems grow more reliant on variable renewable sources, nations recognize the necessity of flexible, long-term storage and resilient domestic generation capabilities. Hydropower and pumped storage are well-positioned to offer these solutions on a large scale.
Ethiopia and Tanzania as Pioneers of Hydropower Development
The report highlights Ethiopia’s plans to fully operationalize the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which will boast a capacity of 5,000 MW by 2025, making it the largest power plant in Africa. Meanwhile, Tanzania has completed the Julius Nyerere hydropower project, reducing its dependence on diesel power generation significantly.
Such advancements situate Africa at the forefront of global growth in conventional hydropower. However, the report cautions that actual progress remains far below the continent’s potential.
Barriers to Hydropower Expansion
According to the IHA, only about 10% of Africa’s hydropower potential has been realized, representing a significant opportunity for development with direct implications for electrification, industrial growth, and energy security in a continent experiencing rapid growth. Challenges, including financing difficulties, regulatory bottlenecks, and delays in obtaining approvals, have stalled many projects.
Additionally, the report highlights weak electricity transmission infrastructure and a fragmented grid as major hindrances that impede the efficient delivery of generated electricity to consumers.
Nigeria’s Gradual Progress in Hydropower
Nigeria is mentioned briefly in the report, primarily focusing on the rehabilitation of the Kainji hydropower station, which added 80 MW to its capacity, bringing the total to 600 MW. This incremental growth starkly contrasts with the substantial investments being made in other African nations.
While hydropower plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s electricity supply, with Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro hydropower stations being significant contributors to the national grid, the country’s overall electricity supply remains inadequate.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reports that the nation has over 14,000 MW of installed power generation capacity. However, factors such as gas supply constraints, transmission limitations, aging infrastructure, and operational challenges have severely hampered actual power generation.
Addressing Energy Access Challenges in Nigeria
The report arrives at a pivotal moment when Nigeria is striving to enhance electricity access and reduce reliance on self-generated power. Currently, around 86 million Nigerians lack access to electricity, making the country one of the most electricity-deprived globally.
To supplement unreliable grid supplies, businesses and households spend billions annually on diesel and petrol generators, a burden that escalates production costs and stifles economic growth. While the 700 MW Zunger hydropower plant has begun contributing to the grid, numerous proposed hydropower projects face delays due to financing, environmental concerns, and implementation challenges.
The IHA report underscores that although Africa is experiencing a revival in hydropower development, Nigeria must secure significant investments in power generation, transmission, and energy storage infrastructures to maximize the benefits of the continent’s vast renewable energy potential.
