Zimbabwe's electricity consumption in 2023 reveals a notable reliance on low-carbon energy sources. Over half of the country's electricity, approximately 55%, comes from low-carbon sources, primarily hydropower, which contributes close to 53%. Fossil fuels, represented entirely by coal, provide more than a quarter of the power at approximately 26%. Net imports make up around 19% of the electricity supply, while biofuels add just a small element, close to 1%. The significant share of clean energy is an encouraging sign, indicating the potential for further sustainable development in the energy sector.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Zimbabwe?
Despite this promising share of low-carbon electricity, the overall electricity consumption in Zimbabwe has experienced a decline. As of 2023, the country's electricity consumption stands at 625 kWh per person. This reflects a significant decrease from its highest recorded consumption in 1987, which was 1102 kWh per person. The decline in electricity consumption is mirrored in low-carbon electricity, where the current figure of 343 kWh per person is well below the record of 568 kWh per person set in 1980. This drop of nearly 40% underscores a challenging period for electricity growth in Zimbabwe, underscoring the need for investment and development to revitalize the energy sector.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Zimbabwe can draw lessons from regions that have been successful in harnessing nuclear, solar, and wind energy. For example, countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine generate over 50% of their electricity from nuclear power, serving as examples of how this reliable and clean form of energy can significantly contribute to sustainable power generation. Zimbabwe may also consider solar expansion, emulating regions like California and Greece, where solar energy makes up to around 30% of the electricity mix. These approaches offer viable pathways to enhance the availability and sustainability of electricity, addressing both the current shortfall and future energy needs.
History
Looking historically, Zimbabwe's low-carbon electricity, primarily from hydropower, has experienced several fluctuations over the decades. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were notable declines, such as those in 1982 and 1987, followed by increases toward the late 1990s and early 2000s. The decade following 2010 saw mixed progress, with the significant development in 2021 showing the greatest increase of 2.1 TWh. However, the year 2023 again saw a slight decline. These shifts underscore a continuing challenge in stabilizing and increasing low-carbon electricity. Addressing these inconsistencies will be critical for achieving sustained growth in low-carbon electricity generation, ensuring energy security and supporting economic development in the coming decades.
