- The recent nationwide blackouts is linked to a system disturbance
- Water levels are below 4% of the designed operating range, leading to an average daily output of less than 300 MW at Kariba
- Zimbabwe's total power generation capacity is approximately 1,200 MW per day
- Peak demand nears 2,000 MW, creating an 800 MW deficit
Harare-Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) has attributed the nationwide blackouts experienced yesterday in the country to a system disturbance.
The disturbance resulted in a complete loss of power supply, but ‘most of the load centres have since been restored across the country,’ according to the company.
A system disturbance is an unexpected event that disrupts normal grid operations, including technical faults, overloading, environmental factors, and grid stability issues.
Zimbabwe’s total generation capacity currently stands at approximately 1,200 MW per day, while peak demand remains close to 2,000 MW, resulting in a deficit of around 800 MW.
ZPC operates two primary power generation facilities: the Hwange Thermal Power Station, with an installed capacity of 1,520 MW, and the Kariba Hydro-Electricity Power Station, which adds another 1,050 MW.
However, both plants are currently facing operational challenges. The Hwange Thermal Power Station is producing around 859MW surpassing 1000 MW sometimes.
Units 7 and 8 produces most of the electricity 600MW, while the remaining ones producing almost 300MW collectively.
At Kariba, water levels for power generation have plummeted below 4% of the designed operating range of 475.50m to 488.50m, leading to an average daily output of less than 300MW.
The situation is further compounded by fears of a potential shift from La Niña to El Niño, which could lead to prolonged drought conditions.
Independent Power Producers are generating about 40-50 MW, contributing to the country's power demand.
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