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Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]

CONSUMERS have been urged to use power sparingly amid rolling power cuts across the country due to low generation capacity at the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Station.

Addressing delegates and senior Government officials during the commissioning of the third Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) office in Gweru last Thursday, Energy and Power Development Minister, Edgar Moyo, said modalities were being worked on to ensure a steady supply of power.
Zera already has offices in Harare and Bulawayo.

“The electricity shortages we are facing are a result of depressed generation at Kariba due to low water levels and as a result, we have lost about half of the installed power generation capacity at Kariba,” said the minister. “We need to look at alternative power options such as solar and the Government is doing what it can to improve the situation.”

The Zambezi River Authority, which manages water use at Kariba on behalf of Zimbabwe and Zambia, has rationed water allocated to power utilities from the two countries due to low water levels from 20 billion cubic metres in 2022 to eight billion cubic metres.

Multiple factors have led to perennial power shortages in Zimbabwe including rising demand due to increased economic activity putting a strain on the power generation capacity, aging infrastructure at coal-fired power plants like Hwange, as well as occasional grid system failures contributing to unreliability.

Minister Moyo said the energy sector in Zimbabwe is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand across various sectors of the economy.

“Advancements and progress in the industry demonstrate our unwavering dedication to sustainable energy practices and economic advancement,” he said.

“Energy plays a pivotal role in propelling economic growth, improving living standards and facilitating industrial development.”

Given the expanding industrial footprint, the minister noted the growing demand for electricity and fuel, leading to the exploration of alternative energy sources.

Among these options, he said, solar energy emerges as the leading choice in Zimbabwe.

“Recognising the reality of climate change and the limited hydropower generation due to depleted water levels in Kariba Dam, the adoption of solar and wind energy becomes imperative,” he said.

“It presents an opportunity to supplement energy supplies and meet the growing demand. Let’s harness the abundant sunshine our country receives and capitalise on this valuable resource for our benefit and sustainable energy future. Further assessments are required for wind power generation in the country.

“The efforts by industry players, investors and the local communities have played a pivotal role in propelling advancements and ensuring a dependable and effective energy supply for all Zimbabweans. Together, we can make substantial strides towards a more sustainable energy future.”

Minister Moyo said energy regulation assumes a crucial role in addressing this matter within an upper middle-income economy adding that it sustains economic growth, enhances living standards and guarantees a dependable energy supply.

He reiterated the need for collective efforts in fostering healthy competition, encouraging innovation and investment, safeguarding consumer interests and promoting sustainable energy practices.

Minister Moyo commended Zera for responding to the call of the Second Republic to decentralise operations and extend its services to the provinces.

“This decision highlights the importance of thorough research and needs analysis for driving growth,” he said while urging progressive expansion across all provinces in due course.

“Our objective is to effectively address the needs and aspirations of the local community by bringing Government services closer to the people,” he said.

Minister Moyo said the establishment of Zera in the communities promotes a fair and competitive market environment, attracting both domestic and foreign investments, driving economic development, creating job opportunities and fuelling technological progress.

He urged the organisation to play its pivotal role in educating and raising awareness of the benefits of sustainable energy practices among consumers and stakeholders.