Kariba North Bank Power Station, a crucial energy source for Zambia, is facing a dire situation as water reserves in the Kariba Dam dwindle rapidly.
According to a statement from Limited, Zambia’s power utility, there’s an imminent risk of depleting these reserves entirely by September 14th. Should this occur, it could necessitate the complete and immediate shutdown of the power station, a facility that plays a pivotal role in powering the nation’s electricity grid.
Zesco Spokesperson Matongo Maumbi underscored the gravity of the situation, highlighting the substantial power supply gap that is already impacting the country.
By September 2024, this deficit is anticipated to grow even further, reaching levels that could severely disrupt electrical supply across various sectors.
Currently, the drought-induced shortfall in hydropower generation stands at 1,086 Megawatts (MW) for August 2024. However, projections indicate that this figure will escalate to 1,280 MW in just a month’s time, underscoring the increasing energy crisis precipitated by prolonged dry conditions.
Maumbi has emphasized that without adequate electricity imports from neighboring countries, the situation could worsen drastically.
The potential shutdown of the Kariba North Bank Power Station signals a looming energy catastrophe, with implications not just for residential users, but also for industries reliant on a steady power supply.
Given that hydropower is a backbone of Zambia’s electricity generation, the challenges posed by the current drought raise serious concerns about the country’s energy sustainability and economic stability moving forward.
SOURCE ; NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
