- Zimbabwe's electricity supply has hit its lowest level in over 12 months, reaching 736 MW on December 16
- Hwange Thermal Power Station generated 565 MW, while Kariba's output dwindled to 124.5 MW
- The country faces a significant energy deficit, with a peak demand of approximately 2000
Harare- Zimbabwe's power generation has plummeted to its lowest level in over 12 months, with daily electricity production hitting a dismal 736 MW on December 16. This marks a new low for 2024, surpassing the previous low of 796 MW recorded on October 29.
The primary source of power, Hwange Thermal Power Station, contributed a meager 565 MW, while Kariba's output dwindled to 124.5 MW, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) managed a paltry 50 MW.
The underwhelming performance of Hwange raises concerns about the reliability of its infrastructure, particularly the newly commissioned US$1.4 billion units 7 and 8, which may have incurred technical faults.
Alternatively, the aging plants may have suffered yet another setback, exacerbating the country's energy woes.
Meanwhile, the low water levels at Kariba, exacerbated by the El Nino-induced drought, render hydropower generation increasingly precarious and unreliable.
To mitigate the shortfall, Zimbabwe has been relying on imported electricity, averaging around 259 MW.
However, with a peak demand of approximately 2000 MW and an average domestic production of 900 MW, the country faces a significant energy deficit.
As the arid conditions persist, Zimbabwe is likely to grapple with worsening energy shortages, reflecting the need for urgent investment in diversified and sustainable energy sources.
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