Power generation to increase at Kariba

Power generation at the Kariba South Hydropower Station is expected to increase to around 500 megawatts (MW) during the upcoming winter season, following improved water allocation by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) to Zimbabwe's power utility, Zesa.

Currently, the Kariba South facility is generating approximately 400MW per day. The recent boost in water inflows into Lake Kariba has enabled the ZRA to grant more water to both Zimbabwe and Zambia's power utilities, allowing higher electricity production.

Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo revealed that while Zimbabwe's official water allocation supports the generation of 485MW, actual output can sometimes exceed this figure, particularly during periods of lower demand.

"We have been allocated water enough to generate 485MW by ZRA," Minister Moyo said. "However, we even produce about 500MW so that winter crop farmers have adequate electricity, at the same time being mindful we do not exhaust our yearly allocation."

Minister Moyo noted a significant improvement in water levels at Lake Kariba, which rose from below seven percent earlier this year to over 16 percent. This increase provides more operational flexibility for electricity generation.

"We are now confident that the ZRA will be able to increase what it allows both Zesa here in Zimbabwe and Zesco in Zambia to increase their production of electricity," he said.

"At present, we are targeting to produce 485 megawatts, but we are allowed to play around that figure in order to support farmers. We think that with tight management, we can assure wheat growers that they will not be switched off."

The ZRA closely monitors inflows from the Zambezi River and its tributaries into Lake Kariba. Based on hydrological data and forecasts, it determines the maximum volume of water that can safely be used for power generation without depleting the reservoir below critical levels. This annual water allocation is split equally between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

To ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the winter cropping season, Minister Moyo encouraged farmers to install prepaid electricity meters. These meters provide reliable access to power and can be supported through financial institutions where farmers obtain seed and fertilisers.

"It is for their benefit to have prepaid electricity meters and at financial institutions where they are getting seed and fertilisers, they can also get assistance on getting prepaid electricity meters," said Minister Moyo. "This way they are guaranteed of always having electricity."

The Government has ambitious goals for the 2025 winter cereals programme, targeting production of 600,000 tonnes of wheat, 39,000 tonnes of barley, and approximately 236,000 tonnes of potatoes.

As of last Friday, Zimbabwe's total electricity generation stood at 1,619MW, with Hwange Power Station contributing 1,176MW, Kariba 400MW, and independent power producers (IPPs) supplying 43MW.

Despite recurrent power shortages in recent years, driven largely by climate change-induced droughts and ageing infrastructure at Hwange, national output has improved to an average of 800MW to 1,000MW daily. This progress follows the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 last year, boosting overall capacity.

With improved water allocations and operational management, Zimbabwe's power supply is expected to better support key sectors like agriculture during critical periods such as the winter cropping season.