World Small Hydropower Development Report 2013 - Eastern Africa

Abstract

The East African region comprises 20 countries, 14 of which use small hydropower at various degrees. The East African Power Pool (EAPP) plays an important role in the future of energy within the region. One of the main objectives of EAPP is to share grid connections to enable the flow of power from areas of abundance to areas of deficit. The region is shaped by noticeable plate tectonics giving rise to geographical features such as the Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria and Mount Kilimanjaro. The climate varies widely from tropical, sub-tropical, equatorial to temperate and arid. Since the end of colonialism, the region has continued to endure internal and external political conflict. In addition, the majority of the Eastern African countries are faced with unreliable electricity supply as a result of fallbacks of national grid leading in widespread use of alternative means to ensure a steady supply of electricity. Despite the political and social challenges and energy barriers, the region attracts significant levels of foreign investment and positive development throughout various sectors in the economy.