The Role of Climate Services in Managing Climate Risks in Hydropower: Insights from Kidatu Hydroelectric Power Plant, Tanzania

Abstract

This study employed a qualitative approach to assess the role of climate services in managing climate risks in HEP plants in Tanzania, using the most predominant Kidatu HEP plant as a case study, where approximately 50% of the national grid HEP was generated. The study sought to contribute empirical evidence to the broader body of knowledge on climate risk management and climate change adaptation in HEP plants as the country transitions from fossil fuels to low-carbon renewable energy consumption. A sample of 17 expert staff from the Kidatu HEP plant and Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) was purposively selected, and primary data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Secondary data was collected by thoroughly reviewing existing documents from credible sources. The findings showed climate risks facing the Kidatu HEP plant include hydropower output decline and infrastructure damage due to excessive rainfall, prolonged dry spells and severe droughts that are being exacerbated by climate change and variability, since there is a correlation between precipitation, water inflow, and electricity production. The findings indicate that the utility of climate services could be strengthened by the co-production of climate services and sustained engagement between stakeholders and experts. In contrast, Kidatu HEP plant does not engage with or use customized climate services from TMA. The findings showed that TMA can produce and provide customized climate services upon the Kidatu HEP plant’s request. Moreover, the findings portrayed the effective implementation of the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) as an ideal opportunity to effectively use climate services in climate-risk management at the Kidatu HEP plant. The NFCS promotes an integrated climate risk management approach that involves the co-development of climate services for all users, including the Kidatu HEP plant. We argue that the establishment of a robust user interface platform between TMA and HEP plants, including Kidatu, could facilitate the effective use of climate services and strengthen integrated water resources management in the Rufiji River Basin. Also, further research on quantifying climate risks and engaging more case studies would yield more robust evidence on the use of climate services and management of climate risk in HEPs in Tanzania.