Water and Hydropower—Challenges for the Economy and Enterprises in Times of Climate Change in Africa and Europe

Abstract

Hydropower is an important element of the power system and has a positive impact both on economic development and on slowing down climate change. However, apart from the advantages, there are also disadvantages mainly related to environmental impact. The article discusses these issues and shows the problems and challenges that companies producing energy from water are currently facing, both in Africa and in Europe, especially in Poland. An important aspect discussed in the article is a new look at the installed capacity in terms of per capita and the presentation of insufficient generation capacity in African countries, and the constant problem of energy poverty. In Poland, on the other hand, attention was paid to the low production capacity resulting from the geographical location (mainly lowlands) and the occurring climatic phenomena (insufficient rainfall and the appearance of droughts).