Hydropower
Hydropower is the generation of electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing or falling water, typically through dams, run-of-river installations or pumped-storage schemes. It is one of the oldest and most widely deployed forms of renewable energy, accounting for a significant share of global electricity production. Hydropower plants convert the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy via turbines, which then drive generators to produce electrical power. The technology ranges from large-scale dam-based facilities with multi-gigawatt capacity to small micro-hydro installations serving remote communities. Major hydropower regions include sub-Saharan Africa, where rivers such as the Congo and Zambezi offer substantial untapped potential, as well as Asia, South America and parts of Europe. Hydropower is valued for its ability to provide baseload power, rapid response to demand fluctuations and energy storage through pumped-storage configurations. Environmental and social considerations include impacts on river ecosystems, sediment transport, fish migration and the displacement of communities during dam construction. Despite these challenges, hydropower remains a cornerstone of many countries' energy transitions, often developed alongside solar, wind and other renewable sources. Investment in new capacity and the refurbishment of ageing infrastructure continue to shape the sector's growth trajectory.
Hydropower Updates
Hydrogen enables energy storage way beyond batteries, Nel emphasises 
By: Martin Creamer 22nd April 2026 Electrolytic hydrogen enables long-term energy storage way beyond what batteries can provide, which is exemplified by a 200 MW hydrogen plant in... →
Cape Town tables draft three-year, R40-billion capital budget
By: Irma Venter 1st April 2026 Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis this week tabled a proposed R40-billion, three-year infrastructure budget for the city. “To give you some... →
Trio of African countries eyeing debt-for-nature swaps, Nature Conservancy says
By: Reuters 23rd March 2026 The Nature Conservancy, a US-headquartered global environment group, is in talks with three African nations to seal debt swaps worth a combined... →
More gold mining approvals have been secured by West Wits
By: Martin Creamer 18th March 2026 The Australia-listed gold mining company West Wits Mining, which is already on the way to contributing $1.15-billion-plus to the South African... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba, Cape Town ICC (04/03/2026)
6th March 2026 This Indaba is an opportunity to harness our collective efforts towards realising an Africa that meets its needs for reliable and cost-effective... →
Clean energy transition provides opportunities for Africa but needs cooperation, money
By: Rebecca Campbell 6th March 2026 Southern Africa remains one of the world’s most climate vulnerable regions, pointed out Zimbabwean Energy and Power Development Deputy Minister... →
Solar power for Marula and Rustenburg platinum mines being sought by Implats
By: Martin Creamer 5th March 2026 Platinum group metals (PGM) mining company Implats is looking at solar for the Marula PGM mine and also the Impala Rustenburg operation, the... →
Implats’ headline earnings up five-fold, R7bn free cash flow, dividend declared
By: Martin Creamer 5th March 2026 In the six months to December 31, South African platinum group metals (PGM) mining and marketing company Implats generated 180% improved earnings... →
China’s infrastructure finance in Africa: impacts and lessons
6th February 2026 China has been a major financier of African infrastructure over the past two decades, supporting large-scale projects in sectors such as... →
Trump offers to mediate Egypt-Ethiopia dispute on Nile River waters
By: Reuters 19th January 2026 US President Donald Trump offered on Friday to mediate a dispute over Nile River waters between Egypt and Ethiopia. "I am ready to restart US... →
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