In the current landscape of electricity consumption in Zimbabwe in 2023, low-carbon sources play a dominant role. More than half of Zimbabwe's electricity, roughly 55%, comes from clean energy sources, with hydropower alone accounting for about 53%. Fossil fuels follow, contributing slightly more than a quarter, around 26%, with coal being the sole source in this category. Additionally, net imports of electricity constitute close to a fifth of the total consumption, standing at approximately 19%, while biofuels make up a minor share of about 1%. The reliance on clean energy is a significant advantage for Zimbabwe in promoting sustainable development and reducing the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels, such as air pollution and climate change.
Is Electricity Growing in Zimbabwe?
Despite the strong presence of low-carbon energy, the overall trend for electricity consumption in Zimbabwe is one of decline rather than growth. In 2023, per capita electricity consumption was 625 kWh, a decrease of 478 kWh per person compared to the record high in 1987. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has decreased, with current levels at 343 kWh compared to the peak of 568 kWh per person recorded in 1980, a decline of 225 kWh. This downward trend is concerning as it indicates a failure to keep up with historical consumption levels, and emphasizes the need for significant improvements to not only recover previous levels but also cater to future demand.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Zimbabwe could take cues from successful regions around the world, particularly in solar and nuclear energy. States and countries like Nevada, California, and Lebanon, which achieve more than 30% of their electricity from solar, illustrate the potential of harnessing solar power in regions with abundant sunlight. Similarly, the robust nuclear sectors in countries like France and Slovakia, which derive 65% or more of their electricity from nuclear energy, demonstrate the reliability and scalability of nuclear power. By investing in solar and nuclear energy infrastructure, Zimbabwe has an opportunity to strengthen its electricity grid, reduce its dependency on imports, and push towards a sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Zimbabwe has seen periods of fluctuation, predominantly in hydropower, across the decades. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Zimbabwe experienced modest ups and downs in hydroelectric production, with notable declines in 1982 and 1987. The late 1990s and early 2000s, however, saw significant increases, particularly with a remarkable rise in 2003. This growth was interrupted by periodic declines, such as in 2005 and 2011, pointing to challenges in maintaining a consistent output. Most recently, in the 2020s, there was a substantial increase in 2021, yet a slight decline followed in 2023. These historical patterns showcase the volatility in hydroelectric production, suggesting that complementing it with more stable options like solar and nuclear could enhance energy security for Zimbabwe.
