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Renewable energy

Water Levels at Lake Kariba Rise, Boosting Power Generation in Zimbabwe and Zambia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Water levels at Lake Kariba have increased from 7% to 16% in recent months, enabling both Zambia and Zimbabwe to enhance power generation. This surge in water allocation by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has been met with enthusiasm by Zimbabwe, which anticipates a significant boost in power generation, potentially reaching 1,700 MW per day. This increase will benefit the local wheat farmers, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. In response to this development, Zimbabwe's energy and power development minister, July Moyo, has urged farmers to install prepaid electricity meters to guarantee a consistent power supply.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zimbabwe's power generation is expected to increase to around 500 MW a day, following the increased water allocation by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
  • Zimbabwe has the potential to generate about 1,700 MW a day, representing a significant boost in power generation.
  • Hwange Power Station alone can produce up to 1,300 MW a day following the commissioning of units 7 and 8, which have a combined output of 600 MW.
  • Zimbabwe aims to produce 600,000 tonnes of wheat, 39,000 tonnes of barley, and 236,000 tonnes of potatoes under its winter cereals programme.
  • Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has urged farmers to install prepaid electricity meters to guarantee uninterrupted power supply during the winter cropping season.
  • Several private companies have been granted licenses to produce solar energy, with the goal of feeding surplus energy into the national grid.
  • The solar plants currently operational in Zimbabwe include Caledonia Mining Corporation's 12.2 MW in Gwanda, Centragrid in Nyabira, and Solgas Energy at Cross Mabale.
  • Generation of solar energy aligns with the Government's commitment to produce clean energy and meet global climate-change adaptation and mitigation commitments.
  • Zimbabwe and many other African countries have abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it essential to invest in renewable energy sources like solar power.

Statistics:

  • 16%: The current water level at Lake Kariba.
  • 7%: The water level at Lake Kariba earlier this year.
  • 500 MW: The expected increase in power generation per day in Zimbabwe.
  • 1,700 MW: The potential daily power generation in Zimbabwe.
  • 600,000 tonnes: The planned production of wheat under the winter cereals programme.
  • 39,000 tonnes: The planned production of barley under the winter cereals programme.
  • 236,000 tonnes: The planned production of potatoes under the winter cereals programme.
  • 600 MW: The combined output of Hwange Power Station's units 7 and 8.
  • 12.2 MW: The solar power capacity of Caledonia Mining Corporation's plant in Gwanda.

Sources:

  • Zimbabwe's energy and power development minister, July Moyo.
  • The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
  • Caledonia Mining Corporation.
  • Centragrid.
  • Solgas Energy.

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