As of 2023, Zimbabwe's electricity generation is predominantly low-carbon, with more than half of its electricity derived from clean sources. Hydropower is the primary contributor, accounting for approximately 53% of the total electricity generated. Fossil fuels, specifically coal, account for around a quarter of the electricity mix. Meanwhile, net imports comprise nearly one-fifth of the electricity supply, and biofuels make up a marginal 1%. This blend underscores the nation's reliance on hydropower as its main low-carbon energy source, while fossil energy still plays a noteworthy role.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Zimbabwe?
Despite the relatively high share of low-carbon energy in Zimbabwe's electricity mix, the overall consumption per person highlights a concerning trend. The average Zimbabwean now consumes 625 kWh of electricity annually, a significant drop from the 1987 peak of 1102 kWh per person. In addition, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also decreased to 343 kWh from its 1980 high of 568 kWh. This decline reflects a broader stagnation in electricity consumption growth that runs counter to global trends of increasing electricity demand fueled by new technologies and the push towards electrification.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Zimbabwe can learn valuable lessons from various regions that successfully integrate solar and nuclear power. North Macedonia's 49% solar electricity and regions like California and Lebanon, both achieving over 30% solar, highlight the potential for solar expansion in Zimbabwe, given its favourable climate. Moreover, considering the prominence of nuclear energy in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear constitutes over 65% of electricity generation, embracing nuclear could provide Zimbabwe with a stable, reliable, and clean energy source. By diversifying its energy portfolio to include solar and nuclear, Zimbabwe can better secure its electricity future while minimizing the detrimental impacts of coal and other fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Zimbabwe has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation, particularly with hydropower. In the early 1980s and 1990s, there were notable declines and increases in hydropower contributions, with a significant drop of 1.2 TWh in 1991 followed by increases in 1989 and 1999. The 2000s saw further variability, including multiple years with modest gains and losses. After a few years of growth, such as the substantial increase of 2.1 TWh in 2021, recent years present a slight decline. This pattern indicates the need for strategic advancements in enhancing the resilience and capacity of Zimbabwe's clean electricity infrastructure to stabilize and grow its low-carbon footprint effectively.
