Zambia To Start Exporting Power To Zimbabwe Next Month

As of next week, Zambia will start exporting 100MW of electricity to Zimbabwe.

The Energy Minister, Peter Kapala outlined that Zambia and Zimbabwe have signed a five-year electricity deal.

The deal outlines that Zesco will export 100MW to the country.

The partnership has come about due to a critical shortage of power in Zimbabwe due to lower than usual power generation at Hwange and Harare thermal power stations and the complete loss of one unit at Kariba South Power Station.

There is also a surplus demand which is not being met by the current supply in Zimbabwe. Currently, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZESA) is producing 201 MW at its five power stations.

Last week it was announced by ZESA that the Kariba South power plant was only generating 758MW when its potential output is 1,050MW. Meanwhile, the Hwange Power Station was producing 509MW less than its full capacity.

The opportunity to export power places Zambia on a good footing for the production of high-value exports, such as energy, during a global crisis. Increasing exports from Zambia will help ignite economic growth and contribute to economic development.

Photo: Karl Specht, US Department of Energy