In 2023, Zimbabwe's electricity landscape is marked by more than half of its power coming from low-carbon energy sources. Hydropower, a significant contributor to this clean energy mix, accounts for almost all of the 55% from low-carbon sources. In terms of fossil energy, coal represents around a quarter of the electricity supply, making it the primary fossil fuel used. Additionally, about 19% of Zimbabwe's electricity comes from net imports, while biofuels account for just over 1%, contributing modestly to the overall energy mix.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe's electricity consumption trends tell a concerning story, particularly when compared to past records. The latest data shows a per capita electricity usage of 625 kWh, which is a sharp decline from the high of 1102 kWh per person recorded in 1987. This reduction represents significant negative growth in electricity usage, dropping by 478 kWh per person. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a decrease, with the current 343 kWh per person falling short of the historic high of 568 kWh/person in 1980, a change of -225 kWh. Such decline in both total and clean electricity consumption highlights the urgent need for an overhaul in Zimbabwe's energy strategy to keep pace with growing energy demands in a sustainable manner.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Zimbabwe might look to other global regions for inspiration. Solar energy, shown to be effective in many sunny regions, could be expanded, drawing lessons from places like Cyprus, where solar accounts for 23% of electricity. Additionally, even though Zimbabwe doesn't currently use nuclear energy, implementing nuclear power could be transformative, as evidenced by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear provides more than two-thirds of their electricity. Emulating the success of wind energy in states like Iowa, where wind comprises 60% of electricity, could also be beneficial, provided Zimbabwe's wind resources are suitably assessed. Investing in a diverse mix of solar, nuclear, and potentially wind energy could significantly advance Zimbabwe's electricity generation from low-carbon sources.
History
Historically, Zimbabwe's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced fluctuations, most notably within its hydropower sector. In the 1980s, hydropower suffered several declines, like the drops of 0.5 TWh in 1982 and 0.6 TWh in 1987. However, there were periods of growth, such as the 0.7 TWh increase in 1989 and a 1 TWh rise in 1990. The 1990s and early 2000s also saw similar cycles of ups and downs, with notable increases in 1999 and 2002, followed by notable declines. Most recently, in the early 2020s, there was a significant increase in 2021 by 2.1 TWh, although this was followed by a small decline in 2023. These patterns underscore the need for a more stable and diverse investment in low-carbon energy to ensure reliable and continuous electricity supply for the country's future.
