Electricity in Zimbabwe in 2021

In Zimbabwe, it's evident that the electricity consumption remains relatively low, particularly in comparison to the global average. On average, the current peak consumption is around 8.07 TWh in total, with a tangible divide between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of this consumption, about 4.42 TWh, is attributed to low-carbon energy production, significantly driven by hydropower which generates almost an equivalent amount of 4 TWh. Fossil fuel-based power, largely from coal, accounts for nearly the same quantity with a significant 3.62 TWh. Given that the global electricity consumption average is 410 watts per person, it's evident that Zimbabwe's low electricity generation could curtail economic development, industrialization, and adversely impact the quality of life.

Suggestions

Zimbabwe could increase its low-carbon electricity generation by studying and implementing strategies from countries that have succeeded in this regard. For instance, Brazil has been able to produce 94 TWh of electricity from wind energy and India has harnessed 120 TWh from solar energy. With a similar enough climate and infrastructure capability, Zimbabwe could utilize its massive wind and solar energy potential to increase low-carbon electricity generation. These countries have been able to successfully transition to greener energy sources, thus offering Zimbabwe great examples of how to strategically and effectively increase its low-carbon energy production.

History

Zimbabwe's history with low-carbon electricity, mostly hydropower, has been somewhat inconsistent over the years. In the early 1980s, there was a reduction as the hydro-power generation declined by about 0.5 TWh. This trend continued throughout late 80s and early 90s with amplified fluctuations leading to an overall decrease. By 1999, there was a notable increase in hydropower with the turn of the millennium proving to be a promising period with notable increases of around 1 TWh. The last two decades of the 21st century have seen quite an unstable trend with repeated declines and slight destabilization of hydroelectric power production. However, after a severe 2 TWh drop in 2016, there was a promising 1 TWh and 1.1 TWh rise in 2017 and 2018 respectively, suggesting a possible revitalization of green energy in Zimbabwe.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources