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Hydropower

Hydropower is the generation of electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing or falling water, typically through dams, run-of-river installations or pumped-storage schemes. It is one of the oldest and most widely deployed forms of renewable energy, accounting for a significant share of global electricity production. Hydropower plants convert the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy via turbines, which then drive generators to produce electrical power. The technology ranges from large-scale dam-based facilities with multi-gigawatt capacity to small micro-hydro installations serving remote communities. Major hydropower regions include sub-Saharan Africa, where rivers such as the Congo and Zambezi offer substantial untapped potential, as well as Asia, South America and parts of Europe. Hydropower is valued for its ability to provide baseload power, rapid response to demand fluctuations and energy storage through pumped-storage configurations. Environmental and social considerations include impacts on river ecosystems, sediment transport, fish migration and the displacement of communities during dam construction. Despite these challenges, hydropower remains a cornerstone of many countries' energy transitions, often developed alongside solar, wind and other renewable sources. Investment in new capacity and the refurbishment of ageing infrastructure continue to shape the sector's growth trajectory.

Hydropower News


LHWP Phase II reaches 56.7% completion as three major bridges open
2nd October 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The long-delayed Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II has progressed steadily to 56.7% completion, with R24-billion of the R53-billion allocated to the project having been spent.... 


Coal-fired power plant in India
India burns through coal stockpiles in rush to ease power gap
28th September 2026 By: Bloomberg

India’s power plants are rapidly exhausting coal inventories as generators ramp up production to offset weak hydro and the evening drop-off in solar output, prompting the government to invoke an... 


USTDA deputy director Thomas Hardy and Anzana Electric Group CEO Brian Kelly
USTDA signs agreement to support reliable power for Lobito Corridor
23rd September 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has signed an agreement with electric utility company Anzana Electric Group to fund a feasibility study to expand hydropower generation and upgrade... 


Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania.
Two new projects secure Sibanye-Stillwater approval
18th September 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Burnstone gold project in South Africa and Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania, both considerably infrastructured with near-term revival outlooks, have been approved by Johannesburg... 


BHP coal heap
Indian utilities' August coal imports surge to 15-month high as heat boosts demand
17th September 2026 By: Reuters

Indian power producers' coal imports in August rose to a 15-month high as a heat-wave and lower hydropower generation boosted electricity demand, prompting utilities to turn to costly overseas... 


Africa Does Not Have an Electricity Problem. It Has a Reliability Problem
Africa Does Not Have an Electricity Problem. It Has a Reliability Problem
16th September 2026

The sector’s scoreboard counts connections. By that count, 53% of Sub-Saharan Africa has access to electricity, and more than 560 million people still live without it. Both numbers are true, and... 


AECOM receives two commendations at CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2026
AECOM receives two commendations at CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2026
15th September 2026

Global infrastructure leader AECOM has received two commendations at the 2026 CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards, recognising the company’s contribution to major transportation infrastructure... 


Coal stockpile
China's fossil-fuelled power output falls 4.3% in August as clean energy gains
15th September 2026 By: Reuters

China's fossil-fuelled power generation fell 4.3% in August from a year earlier, figures from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Tuesday, as rising hydropower, nuclear and renewable output... 


Drill core from the Tulu Kapi project
Tulu Kapi gold project, Ethiopia – update
11th September 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

An updated standalone preliminary economic assessment has supported detailed planning for the Tulu Kapi underground mine.  


Zutari celebrates engineering excellence with major CESA Aon awards
Zutari celebrates engineering excellence with major CESA Aon awards
8th September 2026

It was a standout evening for Zutari at the 2026 CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards on 20 August, with its people and projects recognised for technical excellence, innovation, leadership and... 


Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania.
Two new projects win Sibanye-Stillwater thumbs up
2nd September 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Burnstone gold project in South Africa and Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania, both considerably infrastructured with near-term revival outlooks, have been approved by Johannesburg... 


The Gamsberg project
Aveng returns to operating profit, appoints new CEO as focus remains on restoring fundamentals
24th August 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

JSE-listed Aveng has reported revenue of A$2.3-billion, or R26.4-billion, for the year ended June 30, which was 12.4% lower than the prior year, reflecting the anticipated softening of... 


Norway Energy Minister Terje Aasland
Norway will drill in Arctic regardless of EU's position, says energy minister
24th August 2026 By: Reuters

Norway will continue developing its oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea regardless of the European Union's support for a moratorium on Arctic hydrocarbon supplies, and no longer sees itself as... 


Red Rocket helps shape an inclusive renewable energy future
Red Rocket helps shape an inclusive renewable energy future
21st August 2026

A s South Africa’s renewable energy sector continues to transform the country’s energy landscape, it is also reshaping who leads that transition. At independent power producer (IPP) Red Rocket,... 


Matahio NZ Onshore operation in New Zealand
New Zealand grants new energy mining permit in the Taranaki Basin
13th August 2026 By: Reuters

New Zealand's centre-right coalition government on Thursday granted a new energy mining permit in the onshore Taranaki region, an oil-and-gas-rich area on the country's North Island, saying it... 


Image of Kansoko boxcut
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Democratic Republic of Congo – update
7th August 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Ivanhoe Mines has tightened 2026 production guidance to between 290 000 t and 310 000 t of copper in anode, blister or saleable slag concentrate, from 290 000 t to 330 000 t. 


East Africa – electrification succeeds when it includes all
East Africa – electrification succeeds when it includes all
4th August 2026

By: Symphrose Ochieng - Infrastructure Segment  & Power Systems Business Leader at Schneider Electric There is a lot to be said for a region that leads by example and East Africa’s renewable energy... 


Exploration activities at the Troilus mine
Troilus copper/gold project, Canada – update
31st July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Troilus Gold Corp has been selected as one of the first mining projects to receive specialised support through the Quebec government’s Filon initiative. 


Drill rig
New Zealand grants first offshore petroleum permit since reversing exploration ban
29th July 2026 By: Reuters

New Zealand's centre-right coalition government on Wednesday granted its first petroleum exploration permit since reversing a ban on offshore exploration imposed by former Prime Minister Jacinda... 


CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
The development of the Maamba power station in Sinazongwe includes a dedicated coal mine on an 8.15 ha site to fuel the plant
Energy deal set to bolster Zambia mining
24th July 2026 By: Keabetswe Shilakwe

To help close Zambia’s 1 400 MW baseload electricity generation deficit and reduce its exposure to drought-affected hydroelectric supply, mining and energy investment holding company ZCCM... 


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pqt: 0.099s - ct: 0.153s - 275pq - 2rq
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