Amid the shift toward clean energy, the head of the International Energy Agency believes that the strategic hydropower sector is still being marginalized.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), has reopened the discussion on hydropower's role in the global energy transition, arguing that it is frequently sidelined despite being the world's third-largest source of electricity after coal and natural gas.

In 2024, hydroelectric plants generated approximately 4,500 terawatt hours (TWh), or 14% of global electricity, matching the combined output of solar and wind power. Birol calls hydropower an essential pillar of energy security and grid flexibility, noting that its quickly adjustable output can facilitate the integration of intermittent energy sources and serve as the main method for large-scale electricity storage.

This perspective is particularly relevant for the African continent. According to the "2025 World Hydropower Outlook" published by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) in late June, only 10% of Africa's hydropower potential is currently utilized. Yet, this already accounts for nearly 20% of the continent's electricity generation, with an installed capacity of 43.5 gigawatts (GW).

New projects are emerging across several countries. In 2024, Tanzania commissioned six of the nine turbines at the Julius Nyerere Dam, while Uganda and Cameroon completed major construction projects. Ethiopia followed suit in 2025 with the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

However, structural constraints are slowing momentum. More than 18.5 GW of approved projects have not yet reached a final investment decision, and 16 GW are under construction.

Recurring obstacles include the risk of power non-sale, the high cost of currency hedging, and lenders' caution regarding the non-bankability of projects. Without targeted reforms, the IHA warns that these constraints could continue to delay the deployment of Africa's hydropower potential.

The continent possesses considerable assets, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose potential is estimated at about 100 GW. Less than 3% of this potential is utilized, falling below the continental average. This underlines the necessity, as advocated by Birol, to place this clean energy source at the center of energy discussions and strategies to achieve universal, sustainable, and reliable access to electricity, especially in Africa, in the near future.

Abdoullah Diop