Authorities Value Solar Panels at Kariba dam
The Zambezi River Authority, a corporation jointly owned by the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe responsible for the environmental management of the Zambezi River, has announced that it will consider using floating solar panels on the Kariba dam.
The objective is to complement more than 2,100 MW of hydroelectric capacity after the deepening of the power interruptions in the two countries as a result of falling water levels.
According to the executive chairman of the Zambezi River Authority, Munyaradzi Munodawafa, a similar proposal is being considered for the proposed 2,400 MW Bakota Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station, which will also be located on the Zambezi River.
“There are many areas that can provide solar energy,” said Munodawafa, adding: “Right now, the whole world sees a lot of rain, but on the ground the catchment is lower which should provide us with more water. That is, climate change.”
Due to a prolonged drought that cut production at the Kariba Dam, with water levels dropping to less than 1 percent earlier in the year, the installation of photovoltaic capacity on the world’s largest man-made lake will harness the country’s abundant solar energy. resources while providing renewable energy to the region.
According to Munodawafa, the final decision on the use of floating solar panels on the Kariba Dam by the Zambezi River Authority has yet to be taken and will be subject to the cost of the project.
