In Zimbabwe in 2023, more than half of the electricity is generated from low-carbon sources, namely hydropower, which contributes over 53% to the nation's electricity generation. Alongside hydropower, biofuels make up a very small fraction, just above 1%. Fossil fuels, specifically coal, account for almost 27% of the electricity mix. Net imports of electricity make up the remaining 19%, reflecting Zimbabwe's reliance on energy from neighboring countries. The striking dominance of hydropower within the low-carbon category highlights Zimbabwe's substantial potential for green energy, yet the significant coal usage poses a challenge in reducing carbon emissions.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe's trajectory in electricity consumption reflects a concerning decline. In 2023, the electricity consumption per person stands at 625 kWh, which is considerably lower than the record high of 1102 kWh per person in 1987. This represents a decrease of nearly 480 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has dipped from its peak of 568 kWh per person in 1980 to 343 kWh in 2023, indicating a reduction of around 225 kWh per person. Such declines in both total and low-carbon electricity generation underscore the pressing need to expand energy infrastructure and capacity to better meet the population's needs while fostering economic growth and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Zimbabwe can draw inspiration from successful regions around the world. Countries like France and Slovakia have significantly benefitted from emphasizing nuclear energy, with more than 65% of their electricity coming from nuclear sources. Denmark and Uruguay offer good examples of harnessing wind power, with around half of their electricity generated through wind. For solar energy, Zimbabwe can look towards Lebanon and Nevada, where solar accounts for over 30% of the electricity mix. Rapid expansion in nuclear and solar energy can substantially elevate Zimbabwe's low-carbon electricity output while simultaneously reducing reliance on fossil fuels and harmful emissions.
History
Throughout its history, Zimbabwe has experienced fluctuating success in harnessing low-carbon electricity, particularly from hydropower. In the 1980s, hydropower generation faced several challenges, with notable decreases in 1982 and 1987. The decade of the 1990s experienced more stability and even growth in 1989 and 1990, but this was followed by the sharp decline in 1991. Entering the new millennium, there were noticeable improvements in output in 2002 and 2003. Despite these positive strides, other years brought setbacks, such as reductions in 2015 and 2016. The early 2020s saw a resurgence in hydropower generation, marked by a significant increase in 2021, though this was tempered by a slight dip in 2023. This turbulent history highlights the need for Zimbabwe to invest in diverse, resilient low-carbon sources like solar and nuclear to ensure consistent and reliable electricity supply.
