Electricity in Zimbabwe in 2022

In 2022, Zimbabwe's electricity consumption was primarily supported by low-carbon sources, with over half of the electricity, specifically around 56%, originating from clean energy sources such as hydropower. In fact, hydropower alone contributed a substantial 55%, which played a significant role in the country's low-carbon footprint. Fossil energy, essentially all of which came from coal, comprised close to a third, at about 27%. Additionally, approximately 16% of the electricity was accounted for by net imports. Overall, Zimbabwe had a commendable reliance on low-carbon energy, particularly hydropower, though there remains potential to further reduce dependency on fossil fuels for a more sustainable future.

Suggestions

Zimbabwe can boost its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding into other low-carbon energy technologies, such as wind and solar, and considering the development of nuclear energy. Encouragingly, countries like Uruguay and Lithuania generate around a third of their electricity from wind, showcasing its potential even in regions that are not extensively industrialized. For nuclear prospects, countries like Slovakia and Ukraine could serve as inspiration; these nations generate around 60% and 55% of their electricity from nuclear energy, respectively. Nuclear energy, being a high-output and reliable source, can provide a stable backbone for Zimbabwe's electricity grid, complementing the intermittency of solar and wind. Such a mix of low-carbon strategies could significantly enhance Zimbabwe's sustainable energy landscape.

History

Historically, Zimbabwe's journey in developing low-carbon electricity through hydropower has seen both progress and setbacks. In the 1980s and early 1990s, the country experienced some fluctuations, with annual decreases and increases between -0.6 and 1 TWh. The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a more positive trend with significant gains in hydroelectric output, exemplified by a 1 TWh increase in 1999 and a substantial 1.5 TWh rise in 2003. However, the years following showed irregular progress, with noteworthy declines such as the 2 TWh drop in 2016. In recent years, there was recovery, particularly with a strong 2.1 TWh increase in 2021, underscoring the capacity for revitalization in Zimbabwe's hydropower sector. This history highlights both the resilience and the potential challenges in increasing clean electricity generation, forging a pathway for future advancements in a reliable and sustainable electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources