- Power Outage: Hwange Units 7 and 8 are undergoing Class C maintenance, taking 600 megawatts off the national grid
- Alternative Energy Sources: Zimbabwe has significant potential for alternative energy sources too be discussed below
- Government Plans: To add 253 megawatts to the grid by the end of the year
Harare- Zimbabwe's electricity prospects have taken a hit as Hwange Units 7 and 8 are set to undergo Class C maintenance, a statutory requirement that will take 600 megawatts off the national grid.
This is a substantial portion of the country's total electricity supply, which currently stands at 1200-1300 MW.
The maintenance will leave the country relying heavily on Kariba Power Station, wonly producing less than 300 megawatts due to low water levels, and the remaining 5 units at Hwange, which generate less than 500 megawatts.
Imports will average 250 megawatts, bringing the potential output to less than 1000 megawatts.
To alleviate the power challenges, the government plans to add more 253 megawatts to the grid by the end of the year according to Gloria Magombo, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Power Development.
This will come from increased solar capacity (98 megawatts), hydro power (5 megawatts), and thermal energy (50 megawatts).
In the medium to long term, starting 2025, the government aims to repower units 1-6, adding 480 megawatts, replace Kariba unit 4, adding 125 megawatts, and bring online Batooka (1200 megawatts) and Devil's Gorge (500 megawatts) projects.
Despite these efforts, Zimbabwe's power sector faces significant challenges. Hydro and other power sources are unreliable due to frequent droughts and financial hurdles.
Droughts have severely impacted Kariba Power Station's reliability, prompting the government to implement climate-proofing measures to safeguard the sector. Climate-proofing is a critical strategy to enhance resilience against climate-related stresses, including droughts, and changing precipitation patterns.
However, the sector's woes do not stop there. Aging power infrastructure at Kariba and Hwange, inadequate maintenance, foreign currency shortages, vandalism, and high debt levels continue to hinder electricity supply.
In the context of Zimbabwe's power sector, climate-proofing involves upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions, implementing water conservation measures, diversifying power sources to reduce dependence on hydroelectricity, enhancing maintenance and repair capacities.
Zim Energy Potential
Zimbabwe is endowed with an array of natural resources that can provide electricity for centuries. One of the most significant resources is coal, with estimated reserves of 12 billion metric tonnes. Coal is a fossil fuel that can be used for electricity generation, industrial processes, and domestic heating.
In addition to coal, Zimbabwe has vast reserves of coal bed methane, estimated at 40 trillion cubic feet (TCF). Coal bed methane is a type of natural gas extracted from coal deposits, which can be used for electricity generation, industrial applications, and transportation fuel.
The Zambezi basin offers significant hydroelectric power potential, with an estimated 5,000 MW capacity. Hydroelectric power is a clean and renewable energy source that harnesses the energy of moving water to generate electricity.
Zimbabwe also receives abundant solar radiation, with an average of 20 MJ/m², making it an ideal location for solar energy generation. Solar energy can be harnessed using photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems, providing power for homes, businesses, and industries.
Another energy resource available in Zimbabwe is bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane production. With estimated reserves of 1.5 million tonnes, bagasse can be used to generate electricity and heat.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe has significant uranium deposits, which can be used to generate nuclear energy. Uranium is a zero-carbon energy source that can provide baseload power.
The country also has substantial wind energy potential, particularly in the eastern and southern regions. Wind energy can be harnessed using wind turbines to generate electricity.
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