Zimbabwe's power demand set to soar by 40% by 2030

Zimbabwe's mining sector is expected to record a sharp rise in energy consumption between 2026 and 2030, with electricity demand projected to grow by 40 percent and petroleum usage by 20 percent, according to Government estimates. The outlook underscores the need for close coordination between the Mines and Mining Development Ministry and the Energy and Power Development Ministry to ensure adequate energy supply for the expanding mining industry, a key driver of Zimbabwe's economic growth.

Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Caleb Makwiranzou, made the remarks during the Ministry of Energy and Power Development's 2026 strategic planning workshop held in Kwekwe. He said mining and energy development were inseparable sectors, both central to achieving Vision 2030.

"As we move towards 2030, the mining industry will experience rapid energy consumption. Strategic coordination between our ministries is essential because you cannot separate mining from energy," he said.

Dr Makwiranzou noted that Zimbabwe will transition from the National Development Strategy 1 to NDS2 in January 2026, a shift that will require increased and reliable power supplies as the country intensifies its industrialisation efforts. President Mnangagwa is expected to launch NDS2 this week following Cabinet approval.

Energy requirements for mining are projected to rise substantially as large-scale operations expand, particularly in coal, iron ore and lithium. Dr Makwiranzou said petroleum demand in the sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.5 percent, driven by mechanisation, drilling, blasting and increased haulage operations. Petroleum consumption is anticipated to climb from 520 million litres in 2025 to 647 million litres by 2030, representing cumulative growth of 24 percent.

He added that persistent challenges within the National Railways of Zimbabwe would force more mining companies to rely on road haulage, which would further increase diesel consumption. An ageing vehicle fleet was also highlighted as a contributing factor to rising petroleum demand.

On electricity consumption, Dr Makwiranzou said the expansion of smelting and refining activities would significantly increase demand, making energy efficiency an important focus area. He emphasised the need for advanced smelting technologies, modern billing systems and efficient transportation methods.

The deputy minister said Zimbabwe must also strengthen its electricity grid, particularly in Midlands and Mashonaland Central provinces, where several major mining projects are located. He highlighted the importance of supporting captive and embedded power generation- such as solar, gas and hydro- at mine sites to ease pressure on the national grid. Increased participation in the Southern African Power Pool was identified as another key measure to ensure access to additional power during periods of peak demand.

Dr Makwiranzou also called for the introduction of fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty mining equipment and encouraged the transition to natural gas where feasible, especially for industrial heating and processing. He said revitalising the National Railways of Zimbabwe's freight operations could reduce diesel consumption in the mining sector by up to 80 million litres.

"As Zimbabwe intensifies its industrial agenda under Vision 2030, ensuring energy security will be critical. The next five years require integrated planning that aligns with the country's economic growth trajectory," he said.