The prospects & submissions for small hydropower development in sub-Saharan African

• Published in: IOP conference series. Earth and environmental science 2018-07, Vol.163 (1), p.12022
• Main Authors: Adu, Daniel, Zhang, Jinfeng, Yujian, Fang, Jing, Jia, shengbo, Chen, Suoming, Lv
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hydroelectric power; Social impact
• ISSN: 1755-1307; 1755-1315
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/163/1/012022

Despite the fact that hydropower development provides great opportunities, it also comes with complex challenges and risks that differ considerably by the type, place, and scale of projects. Sub-Saharan African has had a long and successful experience in the operation of large hydropower. Hydropower provides the highest % in total electricity generated in the Region. However, hydropower development has slowed. Today, various Governments in the Region are taking renewed interest in the development of hydropower of all sizes, comprising small hydropower, which is realized to be a national resource that can be developed by local entrepreneurs, with least environmental and social impact. This presentation is to add to the discussion on how to establish agenda for elevation of economically, socially and environmentally viable small hydropower development in Sub-Saharan African. The following important issues and challenges are discussed in this document thus; the potential of small hydropower in sub-Saharan African, what prevents its development in the Region, how policies in the Region can help to promote small hydropower development and suggested possible solutions to overcome these challenges. Conclusions are drawn on important strategies that can help in develop potential small hydropower sites in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper adds to the information base on SHP technology which is quite lacking in the region.