Zambia’s state-owned power utility ZESCO has secured an agreement to purchase 218 megawatts (MW) of electricity from South Africa and Zimbabwe to mitigate a significant power shortfall caused by reduced hydropower capacity.
This development was announced by Energy Minister Makozo Chikote on Thursday.
Zambia faces a deficit of over 1,000 MW, a situation likely to deteriorate further as water levels at the Kariba hydropower plant continue to drop due to lower rainfall and drier conditions. Hydropower accounts for more than 75% of Zambia’s installed capacity of 3,777 MW.
In addition to the hydropower challenges, the coal-fired Maamba Energy plant is scheduled for routine maintenance from the end of August into September, which will temporarily remove another 135 MW of power generation from the grid in Africa’s second-largest copper producer.
Chikote stated, “ZESCO Limited has negotiated the procurement of 218 megawatts of power from ESCO, South Africa, and Zimbabwe Power Company to cushion the unexpected power deficit. The electricity procurement from the two companies is expected to be injected into the grid within the month of August 2024.”
This move is anticipated to provide critical relief to Zambia’s strained power supply, ensuring more stable electricity access as the country navigates its current energy challenges.
