• Zimbabwe achieved its highest electricity generation on September 25th, reaching 1681 megawatts
  • Despite the record production, electricity generation still falls short of meeting peak demand
  • Prior to the August 2023 elections, Zimbabwe imported 450 megawatts of electricity, helping to mitigate power shortages

Harare- Zimbabwe's electricity generation reached its highest output on September 25th, as reported by the Zimbabwe Power Company.  This is the highest outturn in three months.

A total of 1681 megawatts was generated during this period primarily attributed to the commissioning of Unit 7 and 8 at Hwange Power Station by the Chinese Company Sinohydro, which added a combined capacity of 300 megawatts. As a result, Hwange Power Station produced 975 megawatts of electricity while the ailing Kariba Power Station contributed 706 megawatts to the overall electricity generation.

This marks the highest level of electricity generation, not only following the contentious August 2023 elections, but also since June 14th when the country generated 1717 megawatts.

Despite reaching a record level of electricity production, it remains insufficient to meet the peak demand of 2.3 to 2.4 thousand megawatts. As a result, many people are experiencing blackouts, and companies such as Zimplats are forced to import 50% of their power requirements.

Prior to the August 2023 elections, Zimbabwe had been importing 450 megawatts of electricity, which supplemented the domestic production of approximately 1.6 thousand megawatts. This helped bring the country closer to meeting the peak demand of 2.2 to 2.3 megawatts, thereby reducing the risk of severe power shortages.

However, following the August 2023 general elections, which declared Emmerson Mnangagwa as the ultimate victor, Zimbabwe experienced a significant disruption in its electricity supply. The 450 megawatts of electricity imports that were previously in place ceased to exist, creating a substantial power vacuum.

Consequently, major cities across the country, spanning from low-density suburbs to high-density areas, are currently facing extensive blackouts, lasting anywhere from a minimum of 8 hours to a maximum of 12 hours per day.

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