- Dwindling Water Levels:As of August 19th, 2024, water levels have plummeted to a critical 9.46%, down from 27.89% last year,
- Economic Collapse Looms: The power crisis is crippling businesses and depressing the vital mining industry,
- Urgent Need for Action: Addressing corruption, expanding solar energy, and diversifying energy sources are crucial steps to mitigate the crisis
Harare- Zimbabwe is teetering on the precipice of a catastrophic power crisis, with the situation at the Kariba Dam reaching a terrifying nadir.
As of August 19th, 2024, water levels have plummeted to a critical 9.46%, a stark contrast to the 27.89% recorded last year.
This decline, which has seen the water level fall to 476.87 meters from 479.46 meters last year, has resulted in a devastating reduction in usable live storage for power generation, shrinking to a mere 6.12 BCM from 18.07 BCM last year.
Zimbabwe and Zambia, reliant on the Kariba Dam for power generation, have been forced to drastically reduce output, plunging both economies into crippling load shedding.
Kariba, with a capacity of 1050 MW, is now struggling to generate even 300 MW, barely exceeding 200 MW per day.
Hwange Power Station, Zimbabwe's current Messiah power plant, is also operating at a fraction of its capacity, generating less than 1000 MW. While units 7 and 8 contribute a significant 600 MW, the remaining units (1-6) are struggling to produce a meager 400 MW.
The impact on Zimbabwe is devastating. Blackouts are now exceeding 12 hours in most suburbs, crippling businesses and disrupting daily life. The mining industry, a vital sector for the Zimbabwean economy, is particularly hard hit.
Electricity demand for mining companies has surged to 2600 MW, while costs per kilowatt have skyrocketed beyond 14 cents.
This has pushed electricity costs to a staggering 20% of miners' overall expenses, driving many to the brink of closure.
The government's response has been inadequate. Plans to construct units 9 and 10 at Hwange, initially scheduled for 2025, are now being reconsidered.
While the government is exploring the feasibility of wind energy, it remains unclear when, or if, these projects will materialize.
The country must also expand solar energy, leveraging its abundant sunshine to create a viable and sustainable solution. The government must prioritize the development of solar energy infrastructure and incentivize private investment in this sector.
Zimbabwe must diversify its energy sources. Over-reliance on hydropower has proven to be a major vulnerability.
The government must invest in a diverse energy mix, especially solar, to mitigate the impact of future droughts and ensure energy security.
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