Electricity generation in Zimbabwe continues to show improvement, leading to a significant reduction in hours of load shedding. Hwange Power Station, in particular, has increased its output.
According to daily electricity generation data from the Zimbabwe Power Company’s X handle (formerly Twitter), the country generated 1,374MW recently, with Hwange contributing 975MW, Kariba 399MW, and no output from small thermal stations.
Over the weekend, 1,589MW were being generated, with Hwange at 975MW, Kariba at 614MW, and no contribution from small thermals.
Earlier in the week, the total generation was 975MW, with Hwange contributing 675MW, Kariba 300MW, and small thermals producing zero.
Hwange Power Station’s increased generation output has led to a reduction in generation at Kariba, as authorities aim to conserve water ahead of the expected El Nino-induced below-normal rainfall during the rainy season.
The water ration for each power station at Kariba was reduced earlier this year due to below-normal rainfall in southeast Angola, a major source of the Zambezi River.
Zimbabwe is working to enhance power generation to become energy self-sufficient and potentially export to the region.
Recent load shedding was triggered by a decline in power generation to about 600MW across all power plants, including Hwange Power Station, Kariba South Hydro Station, and small thermal power stations.
The country has significantly decreased power imports, with a 56.5% decline in the second quarter, thanks to ongoing improvements in power generation infrastructure, particularly at Hwange Power Station.
The expansion of Hwange Power Station, including the construction of Units 7 and 8, has improved electricity availability.
During the second quarter of 2023, Eskom of South Africa supplied 50.6% of all imported electricity, while Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa of Mozambique provided 36.8%, and Electricidade de Moçambique contributed 5.8%. An additional 6.8% was obtained from the Day Ahead Market, Southern African Power Pool (DAMSAPP).
The report also noted a 1.77% increase in electricity distribution during the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter, reflecting progress in power supply
Source Bulawayo24
