This paper investigates the current and potential use of long-term climate information for decision making for hydropower schemes in Saharan Africa. Hydropower schemes are long-lived infrastructure. These are pieces of infrastructure that usually can be maintained for a significantly greater number of years than most other capital assets.
The main objectives of this paper are to provide evidence on risks and opportunities which climate change presents to hydropower schemes; and the use of climate services in medium to long-term decision making related to hydropower infrastructure. This will ensure that public policy, institutional and cultural issues do not impede the integration of climate change adaptation in the planning and design of hydropower schemes.
In terms of meeting the Sustainable Development Goal of development climate resilient resources of energy, an in increase of hydropower on the continent would lower production cost of energy, reduce carbon emissions and at the same time ensure universal access to affordable reliable, and modern energy services, increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for developing countries.
