- Cahora Bassa Dam Water Levels Plummet: Water level has dropped to 26%, the lowest in 30 years
- Zimbabwe's Energy Security at Risk: Mozambique's electricity exports to Zimbabwe valued up to $60 million annually are under threat
- Regional Power Crisis Looms: The impact of Cahora Bassa's reduced capacity extends beyond Zimbabwev
Harare- Zimbabwe's struggles with power challenges have extended beyond its borders, affecting one of its key electricity import sources.
The Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique's Tete province has reached a critical point, with its reservoir water level plummeting to just 26% of its capacity, the lowest in 30 years.
At the same time last year, the reservoir was 78% full.
Although the situation at Cahora Bassa is concerning, it is somewhat better than the crisis unfolding at the Kariba dam, which supplies much of the electricity for Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Kariba lake is currently a mere 3% full, leading to a severe energy crisis.
This alarming situation has prompted the National Directorate of Water Resource Management to warn that if the water level remains low, it may compromise the dam's ability to generate electricity.
Although Zimbabwe heavily relies on South Africa's Eskom for electricity imports, Mozambique plays a vital role in meeting the country's energy needs.
In fact, Mozambique's electricity exports to Zimbabwe have been substantial, surpassing 60 million dollars annually in 2013, 2022 and 2023.
This significant contribution highlights the importance of Mozambique's power generation capacity, particularly from the Cahora Bassa dam, in bridging Zimbabwe's energy gap and supporting the country's economic activities.
The impact of the Cahora Bassa dam's reduced capacity extends beyond Zimbabwe, posing a significant challenge to the entire African region.
Mozambique is a major electricity generator in the region, having exported $432 million worth of electricity in 2022, making it the 40th largest exporter of electricity globally.
The country's main electricity export destinations include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Lesotho.
Zimbabwe, in particular, relies heavily on electricity imports from Mozambique, with imports valued at $69.06 million in 2023. The country imports approximately 200 MW of electricity, primarily from South Africa's Eskom and Mozambique, to bridge its electricity gap.
However, with Zimbabwe's current electricity generation averaging below 740 MW as of 16 December, the lowest in over 13 months, the need to diversify its energy sources has become increasingly pressing.
The unreliability of hydroelectric power and the limitations of thermal power highlight the importance of transitioning to cleaner energies, such as solar and biogas.
As the region grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, investing in renewable energy sources is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy future.
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