Electricity in Zimbabwe in 2022

As of 2022, Zimbabwe’s electricity consumption is a mix of different sources, with a significant portion coming from low-carbon energy. More than half, around 56%, of the electricity is generated from low-carbon sources, primarily from hydropower, which accounts for about 55% of the total. Fossil fuels, mainly coal, provide close to 27%, contributing substantially to climate change and air pollution. Additionally, net imports of electricity make up approximately 16% of Zimbabwe’s consumption. This indicates a heavy reliance on neighboring countries for meeting its electricity demand, which could pose energy security risks and import dependencies.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Zimbabwe could look to the successful strategies employed by other nations. For instance, France and Slovakia achieve more than 60% of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing the effectiveness of nuclear energy in ensuring a steady and low-carbon electricity supply. Similarly, Denmark has successfully harnessed wind energy, generating over 60% of its electricity through wind power. Neighboring African countries like Kenya generate about 13% of their electricity from wind. Zimbabwe can draw lessons from these countries, investing in nuclear and wind energy infrastructure to diversify its energy mix and enhance its electricity security while reducing its reliance on coal.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Zimbabwe has primarily revolved around hydropower. The early 1980s saw a slight decline in hydroelectric generation, with reductions of 0.5 TWh in 1982 and 0.6 TWh in 1987. This trend reversed in the late 1980s through the 1990s, with a notable increase in 1989, adding 0.7 TWh, followed by a peak growth of 1 TWh in 1990. However, the early 1990s experienced significant decreases, including a drop of 1.2 TWh in 1991 and 1.1 TWh in 1993. By the early 2000s, hydropower saw a resurgence, particularly with increases of 0.9 TWh and 1.5 TWh in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The early 2010s showcased both fluctuations and overall growth, culminating in a substantial rise in 2021 with an additional 2.1 TWh. This historical pattern underscores the potential for further expansion, possibly complemented by other low-carbon sources like nuclear and wind to stabilize and grow the electricity supply sustainably.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources