Pumped hydropower storage planning in africa

Are pumped storage hydropower plants a key source of electricity storage capacity?

Pumped storage hydropower plants will remain a key source of electricity storage capacity alongside batteries. Global pumped storage capacity from new projects is expected to increase by 7% to 9 TWh by 2030.

How many hydropower plants are in need of modernisation in Africa?

Of the 87 stations assessed, 21 plants (4.6GW, 12% of Africa’s hydropower capacity) were deemed in urgent need of modernisation, all in Sub-Saharan Africa. Another 31 plants (10.1GW, 26% of capacity) will likely need investment in the next decade.

What is pumped storage hydropower (PSH)?

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) currently accounts for over 90% of storage capacity and stored energy in grid scale applications globally. The current storage volume of PSH stations is at least 9,000 GWh, whereas batteries amount to just 7-8 GWh.

Is hydropower a renewable resource in Africa?

Hydropower remains the main renewable resource in Africa with over 37 GW of installed capacity. It accounts for 15 per cent of the total electricity share in the region. This is predicted to increase to more than 23 per cent by 2040, following moves towards universal access and low-carbon energy transition.

What is the Africa hydropower modernisation programme report?

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Hydropower Association (IHA) published the Africa Hydropower Modernisation Programme Report in June 2023, which presents a continent-wide mapping of hydropower facilities eligible for modernisation.

Why is Angola launching a hydropower project?

Angola is also embarking on ambitious hydropower projects like the 2,172MW Caculo-Cabaca hydropower station in collaboration with China. It is also aiming to connect to the Southern African Power Pool to enhance regional power integration and meet growing demand.