Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
POWER generation at the Kariba South Hydropower Station is projected to triple to about 750 megawatts this year following a significant recovery in Lake Kariba water levels, a development expected to ease load-shedding and stabilise electricity supplies across the country.
Kariba South is currently generating about 250MW, slightly above last year’s average output, which had been severely constrained by the El Niño-induced drought that hit southern Africa — the worst in more than 40 years.
The improved hydrological outlook comes as Zimbabwe’s overall power output has also been boosted by the full commissioning in 2023 of Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8, which together added 600MW to the national grid.
With national electricity demand estimated at about 2 200MW, the combined output from Kariba and Hwange is expected to significantly narrow the supply deficit in 2026, easing pressure on households, industry and commerce. This comes as Zimbabwe is also accelerating preparations for two major power generation projects — the 1 200MW Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme and a 600MW Kariba Floating Solar Power Plant — which are expected to add a combined 1 800MW to the national grid in the medium term.
Authorities say these investments will transform Zimbabwe’s energy security, reduce dependence on imports and provide long-term resilience against climate-induced water shortages.
Speaking after touring the Kariba South Power Station on Tuesday, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo — who currently chairs the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) — said the rising water levels were a welcome development but must be matched with long-term investments in energy infrastructure.
“Last year we experienced a severe drought that negatively affected power generation,” said Minister Moyo.
“However, the continued rise in Lake Kariba’s water levels gives us confidence that production will improve this year. Hydropower remains the cheapest form of electricity in Zimbabwe, and ZPC (Zimbabwe Power Company) is targeting to raise output to about 750MW.”
Lake Kariba has an installed generation capacity of 1 050MW, although two units at Kariba South are currently not operational.
Increased water availability is expected to ease generation constraints and allow ZPC to ramp up production.
ZRA senior manager for Water Resources and Environmental Management, Engineer Boniface Mfula, said hydrological conditions in the Kariba catchment had improved significantly compared to last year.
“The Kariba catchment has performed very well this season, with river inflows rising to above 50 percent compared to the same period in 2025,” said Eng Mfula.
He said the improved inflows reflect above-normal rainfall across the Zambezi basin, which feeds Lake Kariba, resulting in higher reservoir levels and increased water allocation for power generation.
“These positive projections translate into increased water allocation to the Zimbabwe Power Company and Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) for power generation.”
The ZRA, which jointly manages Lake Kariba on behalf of Zimbabwe and Zambia, has welcomed the improved inflows as a boost to regional energy security.
Buoyed by the positive trend, Zimbabwe is accelerating plans to expand power generation along the Zambezi River, with the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme emerging as the flagship project.
The Batoka project, a joint venture between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is planned as a 2 400MW hydroelectric station to be built downstream of Kariba Dam.
Once completed, it will supply electricity to both countries and export surplus power into the Southern African Power Pool.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and stimulate economic activity in tourism, mining and manufacturing sectors in both countries.
In addition, feasibility studies are underway for the establishment of a mega floating solar power plant on Lake Kariba as part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce over-reliance on hydropower.
Zimbabwe is planning a 600MW Kariba Floating Solar Power Plant, which will use photovoltaic panels mounted on floating platforms on the lake’s surface.
The system will generate electricity during daylight hours while reducing water evaporation from the reservoir — effectively complementing hydropower generation.
Minister Moyo said Presidents Mnangagwa and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia had directed their respective energy and finance ministries to fast-track the Batoka project.
“This is where we will generate even more hydropower than Kariba, benefiting both Zimbabwe and Zambia,” he said.
Minister Moyo added that the availability of key construction materials within the region strengthened the project’s viability, citing Zimbabwe’s Manhize Iron and Steel Plant for structural steel and Zambia’s strong cement production capacity for dam and civil works.
He also reiterated Government’s preference for floating solar technology along the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba.
“A floating solar power plant would allow us to continue producing electricity even when dam levels decline,” Minister Moyo said.
“Afreximbank has availed funds for the feasibility study, which will also assess potential environmental impacts on aquatic life and the broader ecosystem.”
Currently, Zimbabwe’s electricity generation is anchored on coal-fired power from Hwange Thermal Power Station and hydropower from Kariba.
While independent power producers have begun feeding solar energy into the grid, total output still falls short of national demand.
With improved water inflows, regional cooperation and renewed investment in alternative energy sources, authorities believe the country is on a firmer path towards long-term energy stability.
