A new study mapping 3,139 power plants across Africa finds that electricity generation on the continent is projected to rise 57% by 2030. Renewable energy's share will grow from 19% to 34%, but fossil fuels will still supply 61% of Africa's power. The research, published in Nature Communications, provides an open access database with location, capacity, water use, and carbon emissions for each plant. The study highlights that Africa has tapped only a small fraction of its solar and wind potential compared to hydropower. Countries like Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya are investing in wind and solar, while Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda are expanding geothermal. However, nations such as Somalia and Eritrea have few planned plants due to conflict and political instability. Overall, the planned buildout means Africa will fall slightly short of its Paris Agreement nationally determined contributions. The researchers urge African countries to integrate energy and water planning to protect scarce water resources while expanding electricity access to the 43% of the population currently without it.
