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Category: Electricity

Zambia Faces Severe Power Deficit Amid Prolonged Drought 1 Mining in Zambia Electricity 

Zambia Faces Severe Power Deficit Amid Prolonged Drought

Constance
Zambia is grappling with a worsening power deficit of 1,510 megawatts (MW), despite an installed capacity of over 3,777 MW. This shortfall has persisted despite efforts to import electricity, as the country’s drought-stricken conditions have severely impacted its hydroelectric generation capacity. As a result, consumers, particularly households, are experiencing only three hours of electricity daily. The country has faced sustained power shortages since March 2024, after an El Niño-induced drought drastically reduced water levels in key reservoirs, including the 66-year-old Kariba Dam, which now holds less than 1.3 meters of… Read More Here
Tanzania Offers the Cheapest Electricity in East Africa Despite Limited Access 2 International Electricity 

Tanzania Offers the Cheapest Electricity in East Africa Despite Limited Access

Constance
Tanzania’s power sector, while struggling to provide electricity to the entire country, boasts the lowest electricity prices in East Africa, thanks to government subsidies. Judith Kapinga, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Energy, recently disclosed that the country has the cheapest electricity tariffs in the East African region. She attributed this to government subsidies that help reduce costs for consumers, as reported by The Citizen. Speaking before Tanzanian MPs who sought a status update on the Julius Nyerere Hydro Power Project, Kapinga emphasized that these subsidies ensure Tanzanians enjoy the lowest electricity… Read More Here
China to Assist Zambia in Resolving Power Deficit 3 Mining in Zambia Electricity 

China to Assist Zambia in Resolving Power Deficit

Constance
China is set to address Zambia’s power deficit caused by drought-induced hydropower generation shortfalls. Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, announced that during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit from September 4 to 6, 2024, a special Zambia Power Development Forum will be held in Beijing. The forum aims to explore solutions for Zambia’s persistent power shortages and will feature discussions among Chinese and Zambian stakeholders from the power and financial sectors. Ambassador Han highlighted that over the past 25 years, China has invested significantly in power infrastructure, including… Read More Here
U.S. Invests $15.5 Million in DRC's Electricity Infrastructure Through Power Africa Initiative 4 Mining in DRC Electricity Infrastructural Development 

U.S. Invests $15.5 Million in DRC’s Electricity Infrastructure Through Power Africa Initiative

Constance
The United States has announced a $15.5 million investment to enhance electricity services in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the next four years. This funding is part of Project Power Africa, a presidential initiative launched in 2013 to improve access to reliable electricity and support economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Richard Nelson, Power Africa Coordinator, shared the news during a press briefing in Kinshasa. He explained that Power Africa collaborates with local stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and community organizations, to implement tailored solutions for the DRC’s… Read More Here
ASADHO Accuses DRC’s National Electricity Company of Embezzling Over $938 Million 5 Mining in DRC Electricity 

ASADHO Accuses DRC’s National Electricity Company of Embezzling Over $938 Million

Constance
The African Association for the Defense of Human Rights (ASADHO) has accused the National Electricity Company (SNEL) of embezzling more than $938.7 million, including over $114.9 million in unpaid duties and taxes and $823.8 million in fines. In a press release issued on August 12, ASADHO stated that this amount is owed to the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) in connection with the importation of electrical energy for mining companies operating in the Lualaba and Haut-Katanga provinces. The alleged misappropriation spans a period of 10 years, from 2014… Read More Here
President Hichilema Launches 300MW Maamba Power Plant Expansion 6 Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy 

President Hichilema Launches 300MW Maamba Power Plant Expansion

Constance
Maamba Energy Ltd and Zambia’s energy sector celebrated a significant milestone as President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned the Phase Two expansion of a 300MW thermal power plant at a groundbreaking ceremony in Maamba. This project is crucial for meeting Zambia’s energy demands and enhancing regional energy trade. Maamba Energy Ltd, a joint venture between ZCCM-IH (35%) and Nava Bharat (65%), is dedicated to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions for the country. President Hichilema urged all stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the project, underscoring its importance for Zambia’s… Read More Here
Kariba Dam Repairs Near Completion, Promising Relief for Energy Shortages in Zambia and Zimbabwe 7 Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy 

Kariba Dam Repairs Near Completion, Promising Relief for Energy Shortages in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Constance
Engineers at the Kariba Dam have successfully completed repairs to the structure’s plunge pool and have begun refilling it with water. Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote announced that repairs to the dam are now 75% complete, a significant development for Zambia’s energy sector. During a visit to the dam on Wednesday, the minister stated that the plunge pool repairs represent a crucial step in addressing the energy shortages affecting both Zambia and Zimbabwe in recent months. The dam, jointly operated by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, generates 2,010 MW… Read More Here
Zambia Imports Power from South Africa to Alleviate Energy Deficit 8 Mining in Zambia Electricity 

Zambia Imports Power from South Africa to Alleviate Energy Deficit

Constance
Zambia has begun importing 218 megawatts of electricity from South Africa’s Electricity Supply Commission (ESKOM) during off-peak hours to address the country’s power shortage. Matongo Maumbi, a spokesperson for Zambia’s state-owned power utility Zesco, announced on state television that the imports started on August 1 to help mitigate the power deficit. Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, is also importing electricity from Mozambique to meet its energy demands. “The imports have allowed Zesco to stabilize the power supply, enabling us to provide electricity to critical installations such as hospitals, mines, and… Read More Here
Zambia Addresses Energy Crisis Amidst El Niño and Climate Change 9 Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy 

Zambia Addresses Energy Crisis Amidst El Niño and Climate Change

Constance
Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, addressed the nation regarding the severe electricity shortage caused by El Niño and climate change. He emphasized the government’s efforts to mitigate the crisis and commended Zambians for their patience and resilience. The country’s installed national power generation capacity stands at 3,777 MW, with a current peak demand of 2,400 MW. However, as of July 2024, only 1,255 MW is available, resulting in a deficit of 1,145 MW. To bridge this gap, Zambia is importing 1,664 MW of power. Key measures implemented by the… Read More Here
Zambia's Maamba Collieries Rebrands to Maamba Energy, Doubles Power Capacity 10 Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy 

Zambia’s Maamba Collieries Rebrands to Maamba Energy, Doubles Power Capacity

Constance
Maamba Collieries Ltd, Zambia’s leading independent private power producer, has rebranded to Maamba Energy Ltd to better reflect its core focus on energy production. This rebranding aligns with the company’s ambitious plan to double its electricity generation capacity from 300 MW to 600 MW, aiming to address Zambia’s critical power deficit. “Energy is our primary business, and the new name Maamba Energy better reflects that,” said Chief Executive Officer Lt Col Cyrus Minwalla (Retd). “Coal sales have been merely an adjunct to our core power business. As the new name… Read More Here

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