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ESRC PhD: Climate, Hydropower and Economic Performance in Africa University of Birmingham

ESRC PhD: Climate, Hydropower and Economic Performance in Africa

University of Birmingham - Department of Economics

Dept/School/Faculty: Department of Economics, Birmingham Business School

PhD Supervisor: Prof M Cole

Co-Supervisor: Prof R Elliot

Application Deadline: 15 January 2012

Funding Availability: Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

Energy consumption and economic development are linked closely. This is particularly evident for the world's poorest continent, Africa, which also has the least access to electricity. However, since Africa possesses an extensive river network, hydropower is increasingly viewed as the solution to the problem of meeting the continent's growing energy demands. The World Bank (2009) has suggested that if Africa made appropriate investments in dam infrastructure and electricity transmission and distribution it could realise an 8 fold increase in electricity supply, thereby providing sufficient access to the entire continent.

However, while attractive as a cheap, low carbon, renewable energy source, hydropower is vulnerable to climate-driven variability in rainfall. The river systems that yield water for hydropower production are sensitive to climate change and droughts have, on many occasions, caused considerable power disruptions across Africa. With climate change predicted to increase rainfall variability, the potential economic consequences of an increasing dependence on hydropower become even more significant.

Given that most aspects of African economies depend directly or indirectly on electricity, understanding the implications of rainfall variability for hydropower supply is of considerable importance. This project aims to identify the economic implications of increasing hydropower investment in Africa in the face of climate change. We intend to provide the first answers to the following questions:

  • How are power shortages due to droughts likely to affect industry and productivity?
  • How do firms adapt?
  • What role does international trade in power play in alleviating or amplifying the effects of droughts?
  • How will these impacts evolve under different climate change scenarios?

The project will utilise a number of large datasets, many of them firm-level, and will require data analysis and econometric skills. Applicants should have a background in Economics.

Funding Notes:

Scholarship provided (at ESRC rates) and fees paid. The PhD will be based in the Department of Economics.

Contact Us:

Prof M Cole | E: m.a.cole@bham.ac.uk | T: 0121 414 6225