Electricity in Zambia in 2022

Zambia currently stands out as a leader in sustainable electricity generation, with almost 89% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. Hydropower is the primary contributor to this green energy mix, making up roughly 88% of the country's electricity supply. Only about 11% of electricity comes from fossil fuels, entirely from coal. Additionally, Zambia's commitment to sustainable energy is bolstered by its role as a significant net exporter of electricity, aiding neighboring nations in reducing their emissions. The next frontier for Zambia's energy policy is to electrify other sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, which will necessitate a significant increase in electricity consumption.

Suggestions

To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Zambia could diversify its energy portfolio by investing in wind and solar projects, which have become more cost-effective and efficient. Furthermore, building or expanding nuclear energy infrastructure can provide a stable and reliable base-load power supply. By integrating more wind and solar farms along with potential nuclear developments, Zambia can ensure a resilient and sustainable energy grid. Public-private partnerships and international financing could also play pivotal roles in funding these clean energy initiatives.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Zambia, hydropower has seen fluctuating trends over the years. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, changes were mixed with significant declines in some years, such as a 1.3 TWh decrease in 1987 and a 2.5 TWh drop in 1992, but also gains like 1.3 TWh in 1990 and 1.6 TWh in 1993. The early 21st century witnessed steady growth, particularly from 2011 to 2014, with annual increases hovering around 1 TWh. The years 2017 and 2018 saw notable gains of 1.5 TWh and 1.2 TWh, respectively. Most recently, 2021 marked a significant achievement with a 3.3 TWh increase in hydropower generation, followed by an additional 1 TWh in 2022, reflecting Zambia's ongoing commitment to expanding its low-carbon energy capacity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources