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Kariba Water levels critically low, expected to rise in 2025
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Water levels in Lake Kariba, the world's largest man-made reservoir by volume, remain critically low but are forecast to rise early next year due to increased rainfall activity, according to the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA). The development has raised hopes for improved power generation in 2025.
ZRA Acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Kapinga revealed that the water level in the reservoir currently stands at 476.02 meters above sea level, translating to 2.35 billion cubic meters (BCM) of usable water for power generation, or 3.64% of the lake's live storage capacity.
"This is significantly lower than the same period last year, when water levels were recorded at 477.64 meters above sea level, equating to 9.63 BCM of usable water, or 14.86% of live storage capacity," Kapinga said.
The lake, which spans 280 kilometers in length and nearly 40 kilometers at its widest point, has begun to experience minor impacts from localized rainfall. However, Kapinga emphasized that the size of Lake Kariba requires significant rainfall to trigger a notable increase in water levels and subsequent power generation capacity.
The ZRA anticipates that water levels will gradually rise between January and March 2025, with a review planned at the end of the first quarter.
"Both the lower and upper Zambezi River catchment areas are expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall from January to March 2025. This could contribute to a gradual increase in water levels, although the peak storage levels expected around June or July 2025 might still fall short of historical records," Kapinga noted.
The ZRA, a statutory body jointly managed by Zimbabwe and Zambia, is tasked with operating, monitoring, and maintaining Kariba Dam and its reservoir. The dam's low water levels have severely impacted power generation capacities for both countries, with Kariba South Power Station in Zimbabwe and Kariba North Bank in Zambia operating at reduced capacities.
As rainfall increases in the coming months, the reservoir's gradual recovery is expected to offer some relief to both nations, whose energy supplies rely heavily on hydroelectric power from the dam. However, sustained efforts to diversify power generation sources remain crucial to mitigating the risks posed by climate variability.
ZRA Acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Kapinga revealed that the water level in the reservoir currently stands at 476.02 meters above sea level, translating to 2.35 billion cubic meters (BCM) of usable water for power generation, or 3.64% of the lake's live storage capacity.
"This is significantly lower than the same period last year, when water levels were recorded at 477.64 meters above sea level, equating to 9.63 BCM of usable water, or 14.86% of live storage capacity," Kapinga said.
The lake, which spans 280 kilometers in length and nearly 40 kilometers at its widest point, has begun to experience minor impacts from localized rainfall. However, Kapinga emphasized that the size of Lake Kariba requires significant rainfall to trigger a notable increase in water levels and subsequent power generation capacity.
"Both the lower and upper Zambezi River catchment areas are expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall from January to March 2025. This could contribute to a gradual increase in water levels, although the peak storage levels expected around June or July 2025 might still fall short of historical records," Kapinga noted.
The ZRA, a statutory body jointly managed by Zimbabwe and Zambia, is tasked with operating, monitoring, and maintaining Kariba Dam and its reservoir. The dam's low water levels have severely impacted power generation capacities for both countries, with Kariba South Power Station in Zimbabwe and Kariba North Bank in Zambia operating at reduced capacities.
As rainfall increases in the coming months, the reservoir's gradual recovery is expected to offer some relief to both nations, whose energy supplies rely heavily on hydroelectric power from the dam. However, sustained efforts to diversify power generation sources remain crucial to mitigating the risks posed by climate variability.
Source - kariba
