• Zimbabwe's power generation has increased to over 1,400 MW, up from around 900 MW, due to the return of units at Hwange Power Station
• The current generation still falls short of the peak demand of approximately 2,200 MW, highlighting a persistent supply gap
• Sustainable solutions are needed, including investment in new generation capacity and diversification of energy sources

Harare- Zimbabwe’s power generation has increased, according to the latest update by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).

Data posted by ZPC shows that output has rose to above 1400 MW from around and below 900 MW in the prior weeks, marking a significant gain of 467 MW.

This increase is primarily due to Units 1, 2, and 3 at Hwange Power Station coming back online, now generating 212 MW and ramping up to 260 MW, alongside Unit 4 which passed safety tests and got reconnected to the grid on 19 May 2025.

Unit 6 is expected to be back online by 27 May 2025, following ongoing repairs.

Zimbabwe’s peak demand is approximately 2,200 MW, and the current generation of 1,456 MW lags by about 744 MW, highlighting a persistent supply gap.

Power deficits have grave consequences for industry and commerce, particularly in Zimbabwe’s gold mining and manufacturing sectors, which are critical to the country’s economy.

Chronic electricity shortages have disrupted production, increased operational costs (20% of miners), and undermined competitiveness, forcing businesses to rely on costly alternatives like diesel generators.

Gold mining, a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy and a major contributor to GDP and export earnings, has been severely hampered by power shortages.

Outages lasting 12–18 hours daily have disrupted mining operations, reduced output, and driven up costs due to reliance on backup generators.

The mining sector requires 2,000 MW to fully function making stable electricity critical.

The increase to around 1400 MW from the 19^th of May offers some relief.

A more consistent power supply could reduce downtime at processing plants, boost production, and lower the need for expensive diesel generators, improving profitability.

However, the current supply still falls short of the sector’s needs, and any disruptions could erode these gains.

The Hwange Power Station’s history of breakdowns raises concerns about the reliability of this improvement, as the sector remains vulnerable to even minor power fluctuations.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector, contributing roughly 12% of Zimbabwe’s GDP, has also faced significant challenges due to power shortages.

Frequent outages have halted production lines, increased costs, and reduced competitiveness, exacerbating economic pressures in a sector critical for job creation and industrial output.

While the recent increase in generation is promising, its sustainability is uncertain. The Hwange Power Station, despite recent repairs, relies on aging infrastructure prone to frequent failures.

The Kariba hydropower plant, contributing a steady 400 MW, remains vulnerable to drought-induced low water levels, a risk amplified by climate change.

Additionally, the state-owned utility, ZESA, faces financial strain due to below-cost-recovery tariffs, limiting its ability to invest in maintenance and new capacity.

The current boost stems from short-term fixes rather than structural reforms, raising doubts about its longevity. Higher tariffs to address ZESA’s financial challenges could also increase costs for businesses, potentially offsetting economic gains.

To ensure a reliable power supply, Zimbabwe must invest in new generation capacity, diversify its energy mix (e.g., through solar and wind under the National Renewable Energy Policy), and reform ZESA’s operations.

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