Hydropower for sustainable development
In many parts of Africa, an insufficient supply of electricity hampers economic and social development. As a sustainable source of energy, hydropower can make a significant contribution to changing this situation.
The potential of hydropower in Africa is enormous - yet less than 10% of the estimated 400 GW of capacity is currently being used. Around 645 million Africans have no access to electricity.
On a continent as large as Africa, with its many countries and forms of government, its various ethnicities and tribes that speak more than 2000 languages, its diverse infrastructure, its different climate zones and landscapes, the generation and effective distribution of electricity is a challenge.
The use of hydropower, which was once a major driver of industrialisation in Europe and North America, can now also be seen as a good example in Africa: successfully constructed and operated plants already show how hydropower has transformed the economy and life in Africa and have established a fixed place in the energy mix of many countries.
Portfolio: How we shape the use of hydropower in Africa
Voith manages hydropower projects throughout Africa, thus supporting the economic growth and social improvement of the region. To promote the use of hydropower, flexibility in financing, competence and commitment are essential.
In close collaboration with leading financial institutions and insurers, we make it possible for our African customers to spread the costs of constructing or rehabilitating hydropower plants over a realistic period of time.
Together with our customers, we work on the development of ultra-modern systems, the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure and, last but not least, on the transfer of knowledge. Our experts in Heidenheim, Germany, and around the world not only provide the necessary equipment. Local partners and employees are on site to support our customers during the project. This also includes ensuring the transfer of knowledge: we train future experts locally on how to operate plants.
Integrative and sustainable
Successful with local partnerships
- STRATEGY & PLANNING: We support you in the project development and financing
- EQUIPMENT & START OF OPERATION: We supply high-quality equipment and increase the efficiency of plants
- OPERATION & SERVICE: We train employees locally and pass on our knowledge to local communities
90 Years of Voith Hydro in Africa
For more than 90 years, Voith has successfully accompanied the construction and modernisation of hydropower plants on the African continent. Voith experts have successfully implemented projects in more than 25 countries - in close collaboration with local partners. About 25 percent of the currently installed turbine capacity in Africa has been supplied by Voith.
Publications
Voith Hydro Projects in Africa
Successfully constructed, modernised and operated plants are examples of the positive impact that hydropower projects can have. Every single Voith Hydro project in Africa tells a story of change and development.
News: Stay up-to-date
Contact: Our experts are there for you
