Hydropower and Solar Combination Essential for Africa’s Clean Energy Future

Hydropower is a considerable source of energy for Africa, representing about 20% of the continent’s electricity supply, as reported in the World Hydropower Outlook 2025. Despite this, the installed capacity is only 10% of the total potential capacity. The hydroelectric sector is poised for growth, with 16 GW of projects in progress and 18.5 GW awaiting investment decisions. These developments have the potential to increase hydropower capacity by nearly 80%, marking substantial progress in the expansion of energy sources in Africa.

Despite these advancements, the hydroelectric sector is not without challenges. Issues such as currency risks, securing bankable power purchase agreements, and local opposition in certain regions continue to pose obstacles to the sector’s growth. In 2024, notable progress has been observed in countries like Tanzania, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Uganda, where large hydropower projects added a significant 4,507 MW to the electricity grid. However, financing challenges are prevalent, illustrated by projects like the Grand Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which underscores the sector’s reliance on public funding.

On the other hand, solar power is quickly emerging as a vital component of Africa’s energy landscape. By the end of 2024, the installed solar capacity had reached 15.3 GW, with projections indicating a further 23 GW by 2028. While installations experienced a slight decrease in 2024 compared to the previous year, the sector displays promise with growth prospects in West and Southern Africa. Solar energy stands out due to its vast technical potential of 7.9 TW, making it a crucial renewable resource in Africa.

Integrating hydropower and solar energy solutions has become imperative to address the region’s energy security challenges. Despite facing similar issues like revenue uncertainties and project delays, both energy sources have distinct development trajectories. Hydropower predominantly focuses on large public projects, while solar energy is attracting private investors due to its decentralized and rapid deployment models. The strategic consolidation of these two energy sources through hybrid approaches, such as optimizing existing dams, developing floating solar projects, and creating microgrids, can enhance energy resilience in Africa.

Climate change-induced water scarcity necessitates combining the stability of hydropower with the flexibility of solar to ensure universal electricity access across the continent. The synergy between these energy sources provides a realistic and sustainable path towards building a resilient energy system that can withstand environmental and economic challenges. By harnessing the complementary strengths of hydropower and solar energy, Africa can pave the way for a bright and sustainable energy future.