HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER (H.E.P.) IN Africa.
SS 3 GEOGRAPHY FIRST TERM
SUBJECT :GEOGRAPHY
CLASS : SS 3
TERM :FIRST TERM
WEEK : WEEK 8
HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER (H.E.P.) IN Africa.
This essay examines the role of hydroelectric power in Africa. The
focus will be on the following countries: Algeria, Egypt, Ghana and Morocco. First we will look at a brief historical background and then discuss current developments and future prospects for this particular energy source. Hydro-electricity is perhaps one of the most understated and overlooked sources of clean energy in Africa. Many countries across the continent have started to take advantage of this renewable source, particularly as a means of reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
Historically, hydro-electric power has been used in Africa for many years. Algeria was one of the first African countries to harness the benefits of HEP.
This simply refers to the energy generated by the use of running water.
DAMS LOCATION
Kainji Dam River Niger (Nigeria)
Shiroro Dam River Kaduna (Nigeria)
Volta Dam River Volta (Ghana)
Kossou Dam River Baidama (Ivory coast)
Satuba Dam River Senegal (Senegal)
Kariba Dam River Zambezi (Zimbabwe)
Kafue Dam River Kafue (Zambia)
Sennar Dam Blue Nile (Sudan Republic)
Roseires Dam Blue Nile (Sudan Republic)
Aswan Dam White Nile (Egypt)
Inga Dam River Congo (Congo DR)
Seven Folk Dam Kenya
THE CONDITIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF H.E.P. IN AFRICA
(1) Rapids and waterfalls
(2) Steep slopes
(3) Heavy rainfall
(4) Capital
(5) Existence of lakes
(6) Political influence
(7) Markets.
Overall, the conditions for establishing hydro-electric power in Africa are favorable. Many countries across the continent have abundant rivers and waterfalls, as well as high rainfall and steep slopes for creating dams and reservoirs. Additionally, many African nations have strong political influence and strong economies that can support large projects like HEP. While there may be some challenges in terms of infrastructure and capital investment, it is clear that the potential for hydro-electric power in Africa is enormous
Looking forward, there are several key trends emerging in Africa’s pursuit of HEP. For example, there has been a surge in public-private partnerships to finance and build new dams and hydropower plants across the continent. Additionally, governments are increasingly focused on renewable energy targets and climate change mitigation strategies, which is leading to more investment in HEP as a clean and sustainable alternative to other forms of energy generation. Overall, it seems clear that hydro-electric power will continue to play an important role in Africa’s energy landscape for many years to come.
Uses of H.E.P. in Africa
(1) For generation of power for both domestic and industrial uses.
(2) For irrigation purposes
(3) For Tourism and recreation
(4) For employment opportunities
(5) For fishing purposes
(6) For development of new towns e.g. New Bussa
(7) Base for establishing research centres
(8) Source of foreign exchange
(9) Provision of water for domestic uses
(10) Provision of water for industrial uses
(11) Revenue generation to government
(12) Control of flood.
Problems Associated with H.E.P
(a) Seasonality of rivers in relation to climate
(b) Silting resulting from alluvial deposits
(c) Growth of aquatic weeds
(d) Distruption of family tradition or displacement of people
(e) Inadequate skill or man-power
(f) Storage (it cannot be stored).
(g) Pests and diseases.
Possible Solutions
(1) Establish industries to increase demand for electricity
(2) Construction of dam and reservoirs to store water can reduce the problem of seasonal rainfall
(3) Higher institutions of learning should be established with the mandate to train relevant manpower
(4) Soft interest-free loans from banks can help to solve the problem of lack of capital
(5) The problems of pests and diseases can be solved by using pesticides
(6) The social problems can be solved by taking the tradition of the people into account in the plans of new settlements and bringing many of the cultural units together. Class Activity: On a sketch map of Africa: locate and name all the Hydro-electric Power stations.
Evaluation: (i) List five conditions for establishing Hydro-electric Power
(ii) State five economic importance of Hydro-electric Power.
(i) Some of the key conditions for establishing hydro-electric power in Africa include favorable topography, access to water, adequate rainfall and strong political support.
(ii) The economic importance of hydro-electric power in Africa includes providing a reliable source of electricity for domestic and industrial uses, supporting irrigation and agriculture, creating employment opportunities
ASSIGNMENT:
State five problems facing hydro-electric power generation in Africa and suggest solution to each problems.
1. One of the main problems facing hydro-electric power generation in Africa is the variability of rainfall and water supply, which can make it difficult to ensure a steady supply of electricity
2. Another challenge facing HEP in Africa is the limited technical expertise and resources available for building large dam and power plants, including skilled engineers and construction workers.
3. In addition, the high cost of building hydro-electric power plants can make them prohibitively expensive for many African governments and utilities, which may have to rely on external funding or partnerships with private companies in order to get projects off the ground.
