Zambia and Zimbabwe Urged to Diversify Energy Sources Amid Kariba Dam Crisis
A significant drop in water levels at the world’s largest man-made reservoir, the Kariba Dam, has left Zambia and Zimbabwe without power for hours, underscoring the need for both countries to diversify their energy sources, according to Zambia’s Energy Minister Makozo Chikote.
“The over-dependence on hydropower has exposed the vulnerability of our energy mix,” Chikote said. “This has been a wake-up call, prompting us to consider alternative energy sources,” he added during an energy summit in Victoria Falls on Monday.
The Kariba Dam, which provides the majority of electricity to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, is facing reduced water availability due to a severe drought.
The Zambezi River Authority, which manages water allocations between the two nations, reported that available water for power generation has dropped to 2.4% compared to 15.5% a year earlier.
Currently, the dam is generating only about 10% of its 1,050-megawatt capacity, leaving both countries enduring prolonged power outages. These outages are disrupting industries such as mining and agriculture, hindering economic growth.
To mitigate the energy shortfall, Zambia plans to increase its use of solar power, according to Chikote.
Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, also suggested the exploration of large-scale solar farms that could not only address domestic energy needs but also generate power for regional exports. “These initiatives will boost national energy security and position both nations as key players in the regional energy market,” he said.
