Fossil fuels to supply 61% of Africa's electricity by 2030 despite renewable growth, study of 3,139 power plants finds

A new study mapping 3,139 power plants across Africa finds that despite a planned 57% increase in electricity generation by 2030, fossil fuels will still supply 61% of the continent's power. Renewables are set to grow from 19% to 34% of generation, but coal and gas plants under construction in Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, and other countries keep emissions on an upward trajectory. The research also highlights that hydropower expansion will increase water use by 73%, raising concerns about freshwater biodiversity and drought vulnerability. The open-access database provides geographic coordinates, capacity, water use, and carbon emissions for each plant. Authors argue that African policymakers need to integrate water and energy planning, prioritize wind and solar which use far less water, and secure financing to avoid project delays. The study notes that the continent has tapped only a small fraction of its solar and wind potential compared to hydropower.