Hydropower Development in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe: A Comprehensive Review

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Published: Oct 13, 2025
Updated: 2025-10-13
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2025-10-13 (4)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17163/ings.n34.2025.07
Keywords:
Africa, hydroelectric energy, projections, sustaninability

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Sebastian Naranjo-Silva
Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1430-8140

Abstract

All continents are currently undergoing energy transitions toward low-carbon economies driven by renewable technologies. Africa is no exception; with its rapidly growing population and expanding economy, it represents nearly one-fifth of the global demographic. Although the African continent contributes less than 3% of global carbon emissions, it is already experiencing severe and disproportionate impacts from climate change. This manuscript aims to analyze hydropower development in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with the objective of assessing the current use of this renewable energy resource and its project role. These countries were selected due to their significant hydroelectric potential and ongoing investment in renewable energy infrastructure. While these nations have made substantial commitments to hydropower, climate-induced shifts in hydrological patterns, particularly increased drought risk, pose serious challenges to energy security and sustainability. Consequently, electric utilities must not only forecast project future energy generation but also implement robust mitigation and adaptation strategies to safeguard long-term investments. Given the critical role of climate change as an external variable influencing energy planning, it is essential to evaluate hydropower generation and reservoir operations through a multidimensional framework that includes parameters such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, river flow, watershed characteristics, and other related factors.

Article Details

Issue
No. 34 (2025): july-december
Section
Review
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