- Zimbabwe loses up to 20% of its electricity due to outdated equipment and inefficiencies, with urban areas experiencing over 80% connectivity
- The country’s power generation struggles to meet the 2000-megawatt demand, producing only 1219 megawatts, amid frequent outages and an urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
Zimbabwe is grappling with significant electricity inefficiencies. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) reports that up to 20% of supplied electricity is lost due to outdated equipment and other issues.
Victor Sibanda, a ZERA research and energy efficiency engineer, attributed this wastage to obsolete technology and improper usage. Zimbabwe’s national grid connectivity is 62%, with urban areas enjoying over 80% access while rural regions lag at only 23%.
The country’s energy mix includes thermal power (41.8%), hydropower (34.6%), independent power producers (3.9%), and imports (19.8%). Despite this diverse mix, inefficiencies mean that 20% of imported electricity is used merely to offset wastage. Sibanda noted that ageing equipment, such as electric motors, contributes to further efficiency losses.
Zimbabwe’s power generation infrastructure is less efficient than other countries. For instance, South Africa generates 2.2 energy per unit of electricity, while Ghana produces 0.8 units. This discrepancy underscores the need for Zimbabwe to upgrade its power generation equipment to enhance performance.
Currently, Zimbabwe generates 1219 megawatts of power but faces a peak demand of at least 2000 megawatts. Significant sources include Kariba with 215 MW and Hwange with 1219 MW, while Munyati, Harare, and Bulawayo are non-operational. Frequent rolling outages exceeding 15 hours daily highlight the strain on the power system and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
Sibanda also stressed the role of effective communication in resolving energy issues. Proper information flow from service providers to consumers is crucial for addressing the energy crisis and ensuring a more reliable electricity supply for Zimbabwe. Upgrading equipment and enhancing communication channels are essential to improving the country’s energy situation.