• As of February 3, 2025, Lake Kariba's water levels have risen to 6.17%, up from 3.09% in early January due to intensified rainfall
  • The current water levels are significantly lower than the 16.34% recorded at the same time last year
  • Zimbabwe and Zambia, reliant on the Kariba Dam for electricity, have had to reduce output, resulting in severe load shedding and economic strain
  • The dam has a capacity of 1,050 MW but is currently generating only 185-300 MW daily

Harare-Lake Kariba water levels  has gradually risen to 6.17% as of 3rd February 2025 from 3.09% in early January , attributed to intensified rainfall activity on and around the lake according to the Zambezi River Authority in the hydrological outlook.

However the new water levels are a stark contrast from the 16.34% recorded in the same period last year.

This decline, which has seen the water level fall to 476.39 meters from 477.85 meters last year, has resulted in a devastating reduction in usable live storage for power generation, shrinking to a mere 4.00 BCM from 10.59 BCM last year.

‘’This is due to the recent El Niño induced drought , which caused substantial moisture loss from both the ground and the atmosphere.

‘’As a result much of the rainfall will first seep into the ground before it can flow as runoff,’’ Chief Executive Officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said.  

Zimbabwe and Zambia, dependent on the Kariba Dam for electricity generation, have had to cut their output, leading to severe load shedding and crippling both economies.

Kariba, which has a capacity of 1,050 MW, is currently struggling to produce even 300 MW, often generating just 185 MW per day.

Hwange Power Station, now regarded as Zimbabwe's main power plant, is also functioning well below its potential, yielding less than 1,200 MW.

Although units 7 and 8 are back online ,providing  a substantial 600 MW, the other units (1-6) are only managing to generate a mere 470 MW.

The consequences for Zimbabwe are severe, blackouts now exceed 12 hours in many suburbs, crippling businesses and disrupting everyday life.

The mining industry, a crucial part of the Zimbabwean economy, is particularly affected.

Electricity demand for mining companies has surged to 2600 MW, while costs per kilowatt is  14.21 cents.

The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce in 2023 said electricity cost now accounts for 20% of expenses.

In response, the government planned  to build units 9 and 10 at Hwange, originally slated for this year (2025).

While the government is assessing the feasibility of wind energy, it remains uncertain when, or if, these initiatives will move forward.

Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, while presenting the 2025 National Budget, emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting renewable energy initiatives and facilitating financial agreements for IPPs.

Large electricity consumers are being encouraged to invest in their own energy generation to mitigate reliance on the grid.

The National Renewable Energy Policy aims to add 2,100 MW of renewable energy by 2030, focusing primarily on solar and hydro projects.

 Equity Axis News