The world must boost its green energy with the 2050 net zero deadline approaching. It has 25 years to do it. Yet, green energy is not a panacea that will cure all illnesses. This is especially true in Africa, where governments face rising tension. They want to electrify their people and start a green energy revolution. Like 22Bet login, Africa needs efficient energy solutions. It must meet demand and be sustainable.
Africa’s growing factories, schools, and hospitals need reliable electricity and strong networks. Solar panels and wind farms alone will not meet that demand. Yet, the journey to success must stay environmentally friendly. It involves using one of Africa’s most precious resources: hydropower.
Of green sources, only hydropower can provide baseload power across most of Africa. It generates 17% of the continent’s power, but developers have only used 11% of its hydro potential. Many countries value hydropower for its role in energy security and low MW costs.
We need to revise the usual approach to hydropower development. It focuses only on greenfield projects. Many are unbankable or lack support. We need a paradigm shift toward quick wins that can lead to significant progress.
Harnessing Hydropower for Africa’s Green Energy Goals
Hydropower is at a crossroads. It links Africa’s green energy goals with its urgent energy security needs. Unlike other renewables, hydropower is a reliable energy source. It can provide base load capacity. This is vital for powering hospitals, factories, and schools. The key is to use Africa’s untapped hydro potential. Only 11% of its resources are currently exploited. Governments can avoid delays from red tape. They should upgrade existing hydropower plants instead of focusing on new ones. Refurbished plants can boost energy capacity and provide cheap power. This will lower energy costs and spur industry.
Adding floating solar panels to reservoirs makes hydropower projects more efficient and sustainable. These innovations prevent water evaporation and maximize energy production while maintaining environmental balance. Hydropower is a powerful tool. It generates electricity and manages water. So, it is key to sustainable growth. To meet Africa’s 2050 net-zero goals, governments and investors must team up. They need to upgrade old hydropower plants and explore new, innovative solutions. This will ensure Africa can grow its economy while protecting the environment.
Africa has 38.5 GW of hydropower capacity. Of that, 14.7 GW is over 20 years old. It urgently needs refurbishment. Despite this critical infrastructure’s dim state, good news is on the horizon. Estimates say we can upgrade old hydropower plants for $7 billion. No other project in Africa can provide a large activation of GW capacity at such a low, competitive cost. These upgrades, spread across Africa, offer a straightforward and achievable solution. They are not held up by the red tape of concession agreements, land expropriation, or permits. These projects can be completed much faster than starting from scratch with new ones. These initiatives need political will and investment support.
Hydropower is a cheap energy source. It lowers energy costs nationwide. This helps domestic industries compete, create jobs, and expand. Refurbished plants can produce more energy. We can add floating solar panels to reservoirs. These panels also help stop water from evaporating. Also, hydro reservoirs can help preserve water and regulate its use. On a larger scale, modernizing hydro infrastructure drives widespread economic growth.
As social demands increase across the continent for stronger energy solutions. The region’s governments will see that the best option is to upgrade their hydro capacity.
A greener, energy-resilient Africa needs quick wins in renewable energy. We need teams that can achieve this. At Themis, we found seven 450MW hydropower plants needing work. We have piloted two of them. We are confident. Africa needs fast renewable energy for sustainability and security. Themis is committed to making this vision a reality.
Quick Wins: The Case for Immediate Hydropower Investments
Africa’s old hydropower plants offer a rare chance for quick, big energy gains. Upgrading Africa’s 14.7 GW of old hydropower plants can help fix its energy challenges. They are a low-cost, high-impact fix. These upgrades need about $7 billion. That’s a fraction of new greenfield projects’ costs. They can deliver results in record time. Upgrading existing plants avoids problems. They include buying land and getting permits. It also avoids long approval processes. It is a smart, appealing choice for both governments and investors. Governments must show the will to focus on such initiatives. They can spark energy security and economic growth.
Beyond increasing energy output, refurbished plants have a ripple effect on local economies. Lowering energy costs gives domestic industries a competitive edge. It boosts job creation and growth. New tech can upgrade old hydropower plants. It will improve their performance and extend their lifespan. These upgrades will boost energy supplies. They will build a reliable energy future for Africa. As demand for green energy rises, Africa’s future depends on its hydropower. It must maximize its potential, one quick win at a time.
Conclusion
With the 2050 net zero deadline nearing, the world is racing to expand green energy. In Africa, we face a challenge. We must balance the quest for universal electrification with a need for clean energy. Like 22Bet’s login, Africa needs smart solutions to meet its energy needs.
Big factories, schools, and hospitals can’t rely on solar and wind alone. The answer is hydropower. It’s Africa’s powerful, underused resource. It can provide reliable, green energy for the future.