Fossil fuels will still supply 61% of Africa's electricity by 2030, new study of 3,139 power plants finds

A new study tracking 3,139 power plants across Africa finds that electricity generation on the continent is set to rise 57% by 2030. While renewable energy's share is projected to grow from 19% to 34%, fossil fuels will still supply 61% of Africa's power. The research maps each plant's location, capacity, water use, and carbon emissions, providing an open-access database for policymakers. The study highlights a tension between expanding electricity access and meeting Paris Agreement commitments. Hydropower expansion will increase water use by 73%, and the continent as a whole falls slightly short of its nationally determined contributions. Countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa are building large gas, nuclear, and hydro projects, while Morocco, Kenya, and Namibia are investing in wind and solar. The authors argue that African countries should plan energy and water needs together rather than treating them separately. With only a fraction of solar and wind potential tapped, the continent could meet growing demand while protecting water resources and reducing emissions, but current plans still lean heavily on fossil fuels.