Current status and future developments of small and micro hydro in southern Africa

Abstract

Large potential exists for small and micro hydropower in the southern African region, both for grid as well as off-grid applications. Within the region a good understanding exists on the potential for large scale hydro and a substantial number of plants are in operation or under development. Small and micro hydropower are less well understood. Historically small hydropower has played an important role in the development of the region, but since mid 1960s the emphasis has been on fossil fuel based electricity generation mainly. Only recently small and micro hydropower are getting attention again from developers and policy makers. This article will investigate the different barriers in southern Africa toward (rural) electrification using renewable energy technologies in general and those hampering the uptake of small hydropower in particular. The article will describe the role of policy and regulatory frameworks, financing, local and regional human and industrial capacity, as well as the limited information available on the resource. The article will provide an overview of current developments in the region, including the installed small and micro hydro capacity and on going activities to increase this. Based on the analysis of country level and regional activities to promote the uptake of small and micro hydro, the article will draw conclusions and provide recommendations towards large scale implementation of small and micro hydropower in southern Africa.