Zimbabwe is currently generating an average of 214 megawatts (MW) of electricity at the Kariba South hydropower station, well below its installed capacity of 1,050 MW. This shortfall is attributed to depressed water levels at the Kariba Dam.
To address the power deficit, focus has shifted to net metering, allowing homeowners and businesses generating their own energy to feed excess power back into the national grid. This initiative aims to bridge the current power gap.
Dr. George Manyaya, ZESA Holdings’ Stakeholder Relations and Communications Manager, stated, “The major sources of power are the hydro side, primarily the Kariba South power station, and the Hwange power station. Hwange is currently producing around 971 MW with four units in stage one, alongside the successful expansion of Hwange units seven and eight.”
He elaborated, “Due to the current water levels at Kariba Dam, we have been directed by the Zambezi River Authority to reduce generation to an average of 214 MW. Despite an installed capacity of 1,050 MW, we are significantly limited by these water constraints.”
Dr. Manyaya highlighted the country’s efforts to boost energy generation through the net metering program, which is expected to increase output from the current 20 MW to 100 MW.
We urge our consumers, especially in Zimbabwe, to support the net metering program to help meet the demand-supply gap. Net metering allows customers generating solar energy to feed excess power back into the national grid, increasing supply and helping customers purchase power at a lower rate,” he said.
The net metering program credits customers for the excess power they generate, thus offsetting their electricity bills and contributing to the overall stability of the national grid.
