Hydropower and marine energy

Abstract

In this chapter it is shown how hydropower plays an extraordinarily important role in the energy future of both Africa and Latin America. Thus, more than 20% of total global hydropower generation occurs in Africa and Latin America combined, and more than 90% of existing renewables in both regions is produced with hydropower. Also, the hydropower capacity in Africa and Latin America is expected to increase over time as several nations are expected to pursue new hydropower development or expansion of existing capacity. Moreover, it is estimated that 92% of the existing total hydropower capacity in Africa is untapped. Conversely, hydropower production in some countries exceeds 85%. Consequently, in many countries energy-intensive industry users can be located as they can consume large quantities of low-cost power produced by hydropower. On the other hand, small hydropower capabilities are likely to become more pervasive over time as environmental concerns, drought and climate change may limit efficiency of larger facilities. In particular, mini-hydro could provide many of the rural electricity. Moreover, climate change may drastically impact the hydropower and consequently, the system’s capability to supply load. Indeed, two lessons can be extracted from recent Brazilian and Venezuelan hydro crisis: the need for diversification from hydropower and the importance of distributed generation. Finally, marine energy plays a very marginal role in renewable electricity production as it has virtually no role in Africa or Latin America. As technology evolves and costs decrease marine energy may play a role in select future locations however it is largely believed that more traditional renewable resources will be adopted much earlier in the energy development cycle.