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Zimbabwe loses 18% of its energy
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Zimbabwe's Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo has called for urgent upgrades to the country's grid network to address the unacceptable 18% energy loss rate, significantly higher than the global benchmark of 10%. Moyo highlighted that this high energy loss rate hampers economic growth and development, stressing the need for a more efficient and modernized energy infrastructure.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in Victoria Falls on Monday, Moyo outlined the government's plans to reduce energy losses by eight percentage points, aiming for a more efficient system with losses capped at 10% by 2030.
"The 18% energy loss rate is unacceptable, and we need to bring this percentage to at least the globally acceptable 10% by the year 2028," Moyo said. "We intend to upgrade our grid network, making it more modern and climate-smart to minimize energy losses. This upgrade is crucial for addressing our ongoing power supply challenges."
Zimbabwe's energy sector is currently grappling with power supply deficits and slow progress towards universal electricity access. Minister Moyo explained that to overcome these challenges, the government is focusing on expanding electricity access through a combination of sources, including solar power and the expansion of the grid.
A key part of the strategy includes the recently approved National Energy Efficiency Policy, which will guide energy efficiency programs across the country. Additionally, Moyo emphasized the importance of ensuring that all electrical appliances in Zimbabwe meet minimum energy performance standards, as set by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe.
"The aim is to have all appliances purchased, built, and used in the country adhere to these minimum energy performance standards," he added.
The energy loss problem is compounded by outdated equipment, with many parts of the country experiencing power outages lasting up to 18 hours per day. These outages have been severely disrupting industrial productivity and economic activity. Despite these challenges, the government is focusing on diversifying its energy resources to include renewable sources like solar, as part of its long-term vision for sustainable energy.
Moyo also pointed to the country's reliance on hydropower from the Kariba Dam, which has been significantly affected by climate change and droughts in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. He noted that while the Kariba hydropower plants have not been able to operate at full capacity, there is still untapped potential to increase power generation along the river.
"It is not a secret that the hydropower plants at Kariba have been impacted by the drought, but we can explore using the river's capacity at multiple points along its length," Moyo suggested. "I encourage investment in the potential of the Zambezi River as an additional power source."
Zimbabwe is committed to creating an attractive energy investment environment, with a focus on renewable energy solutions to help meet the country's universal electricity access targets.
Zambia's Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, who attended the summit, echoed Moyo's sentiments, stressing the importance of collaboration and innovation to meet the growing demand for electricity and resources. "The demand for electricity and resources continues to grow, and it is imperative that we adopt forward-thinking strategies to meet these challenges head-on," he said.
Economic analysts have warned that the ongoing power crisis is detrimental to Zimbabwe's economic growth. Vince Musewe, an economic analyst, stated that inconsistent power supply increases business costs and reduces productivity, which stifles economic development.
"Inconsistent power supply is costly and leads to increased business expenses and decreased productivity across the economy," Musewe said. "Delays in production and service delivery have become the norm, and this negatively impacts economic growth prospects."
Chris Mugaga, another economic analyst, pointed out that the power crisis has led to job losses, as businesses are forced to cut staff due to the unreliable electricity supply. "Job cuts are inevitable, and businesses are also spending more on alternative power sources instead of on salaries," Mugaga explained.
The government's focus on upgrading the energy sector, embracing renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency is seen as essential to addressing the country's power supply issues and spurring economic recovery. However, experts caution that urgent and decisive action is needed to prevent further economic deterioration caused by the ongoing power outages.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in Victoria Falls on Monday, Moyo outlined the government's plans to reduce energy losses by eight percentage points, aiming for a more efficient system with losses capped at 10% by 2030.
"The 18% energy loss rate is unacceptable, and we need to bring this percentage to at least the globally acceptable 10% by the year 2028," Moyo said. "We intend to upgrade our grid network, making it more modern and climate-smart to minimize energy losses. This upgrade is crucial for addressing our ongoing power supply challenges."
Zimbabwe's energy sector is currently grappling with power supply deficits and slow progress towards universal electricity access. Minister Moyo explained that to overcome these challenges, the government is focusing on expanding electricity access through a combination of sources, including solar power and the expansion of the grid.
A key part of the strategy includes the recently approved National Energy Efficiency Policy, which will guide energy efficiency programs across the country. Additionally, Moyo emphasized the importance of ensuring that all electrical appliances in Zimbabwe meet minimum energy performance standards, as set by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe.
"The aim is to have all appliances purchased, built, and used in the country adhere to these minimum energy performance standards," he added.
The energy loss problem is compounded by outdated equipment, with many parts of the country experiencing power outages lasting up to 18 hours per day. These outages have been severely disrupting industrial productivity and economic activity. Despite these challenges, the government is focusing on diversifying its energy resources to include renewable sources like solar, as part of its long-term vision for sustainable energy.
Moyo also pointed to the country's reliance on hydropower from the Kariba Dam, which has been significantly affected by climate change and droughts in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. He noted that while the Kariba hydropower plants have not been able to operate at full capacity, there is still untapped potential to increase power generation along the river.
"It is not a secret that the hydropower plants at Kariba have been impacted by the drought, but we can explore using the river's capacity at multiple points along its length," Moyo suggested. "I encourage investment in the potential of the Zambezi River as an additional power source."
Zimbabwe is committed to creating an attractive energy investment environment, with a focus on renewable energy solutions to help meet the country's universal electricity access targets.
Zambia's Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, who attended the summit, echoed Moyo's sentiments, stressing the importance of collaboration and innovation to meet the growing demand for electricity and resources. "The demand for electricity and resources continues to grow, and it is imperative that we adopt forward-thinking strategies to meet these challenges head-on," he said.
Economic analysts have warned that the ongoing power crisis is detrimental to Zimbabwe's economic growth. Vince Musewe, an economic analyst, stated that inconsistent power supply increases business costs and reduces productivity, which stifles economic development.
"Inconsistent power supply is costly and leads to increased business expenses and decreased productivity across the economy," Musewe said. "Delays in production and service delivery have become the norm, and this negatively impacts economic growth prospects."
Chris Mugaga, another economic analyst, pointed out that the power crisis has led to job losses, as businesses are forced to cut staff due to the unreliable electricity supply. "Job cuts are inevitable, and businesses are also spending more on alternative power sources instead of on salaries," Mugaga explained.
The government's focus on upgrading the energy sector, embracing renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency is seen as essential to addressing the country's power supply issues and spurring economic recovery. However, experts caution that urgent and decisive action is needed to prevent further economic deterioration caused by the ongoing power outages.
Source - newsday
