Sinokubonga Nkala
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) has reported that the country imported 611,1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity during the third quarter of 2024, marking an 18,6 percent increase from the 515,4 GWh imported in the previous quarter.
In its latest update, Zimstat revealed that the Index of Electricity Generation (IEG) for the third quarter of 2024 stood at 105,8, reflecting a 4,2 percent quarter-on-quarter increase from 101,5 in the second quarter. Year-on-year, the index rose by 4,5 percent compared to 101,2 recorded in the same quarter of 2023.
The IEG measures relative changes in the volume of electricity generated in the country over time, providing insights into the performance of the energy sector.
During the third quarter, Hwange Power Station remained the leading contributor to domestic electricity generation, producing 2 075,7GWh, which accounted for 77,8 percent of the total output. Kariba Power Station followed, generating 495,8 GWh (18,6 percent), while Independent Power Producers (IPPs) contributed 3,6 percent.
“A total of 611,1GWh of electricity were imported during the third quarter 2024, reflecting an 18,6 percent increase from 515,4GWh imported in the second quarter 2024,” said Zimstat.
ZimStat highlighted the growing reliance on electricity imports, with 50 percent sourced from Eskom in South Africa, 19 percent from Mozambique’s Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), and 18 percent from Mozambique’s Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM).
On the export front, Zimbabwe recorded a significant 301,2 percent increase in electricity exports, with 420,2GWh exported in the third quarter compared to 104,7GWh in the second quarter.
The total volume of electricity distributed during the third quarter was 2 279,5 GWh, a 6,7 percent increase from 2 135,7GWh in the previous quarter.
“Of the distributed electricity, users in manufacturing, transport and construction sectors consumed 790,6GWh (34,7 percent), while those in mining and quarrying used 413,7GWh (18,1percent) and domestic consumers 480,3GWh (21,1percent),” said Zimstat.
Zimbabwe continues to grapple with power challenges, exacerbated by climate change. Reduced water levels in Lake Kariba have adversely affected hydropower generation, leading to frequent load shedding across the country.
To address these challenges, the Government is promoting investments in renewable energy, particularly solar power, and encouraging large electricity consumers to generate their own energy.
Presenting the 2025 National Budget, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting renewable energy projects. This includes facilitating financial closure for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) through Government Implementation Agreements.
Government is also encouraging large electricity consumers to invest in generating their own energy needs. — @SikhulekelaniM1
