Zambezi River Authority to boost power generation

THE Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) plans to add over 4 000MW of electricity to the grid through hydroelectric and solar projects on the Zambezi River.

Two of the proposed projects are the US$5 billion Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, which will generate 2 400MW, and for which ZRA is updating the environmental, engineering, and hydrological feasibility studies, as well as the Devils Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (HES), located downstream of the Gwayi-Zambezi rivers confluence at the tail end of Kariba Dam. Both projects are located in Matabeleland North.

Another major project is the Mupata Gorge Hydro Project, situated between Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams.
In addition, ZRA is working on a floating solar system for Kariba Dam, which will be replicated at Batoka Gorge, Devils Gorge, and Mupata Gorge once these projects are completed.

Batoka Gorge and Devils Gorge are significant infrastructure projects for Matabeleland North, and their completion is expected to improve electricity availability in both Zimbabwe and the wider region. They will also present valuable investment opportunities for the private sector along the entire value chain.

ZRA, established by Zambia and Zimbabwe to manage water projects on the Zambezi River, is driving these projects that are set to transform communities on both sides of the river. The development will include facilities such as banks, shops, private offices, and other essential infrastructure.

Speaking recently in Victoria Falls, ZRA Director for Projects and Dam Management Services, Engineer Sithembinkosi Mhlanga, outlined the progress of the projects, noting they are at various stages of implementation.

“We are looking at two other dam sites on the Zambezi River for hydro-power. Devils Gorge is undergoing feasibility studies, and once the pre-feasibility studies are concluded, we will proceed with a full feasibility study after approval from the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“Then there is Mupata Gorge, which is yet to be studied. After finalising Batoka, we aim to begin work on Devils Gorge, followed by preparations for Mupata Gorge. The Zambezi projects will provide a total of 6 000MW of energy, meaning we are looking to add an additional 4 000MW beyond the existing capacity from Kariba Hydro. So, the development of these schemes will add 4 000MW to the national grid,” said Eng Mhlanga.

He highlighted that hydro and solar energy are key renewable energy solutions for the region.
“Additionally, we are working on implementing a floating solar system on Kariba Dam. As the existing dam, it is the first site for the floating solar system, but the long-term plan is to install floating solar on each dam, generating power alongside the hydro stations.

“We have already begun feasibility studies, which we expect to complete next year. Once finalised, we will begin the process of procuring a developer for the floating solar project, which is expected to be operational by 2027,” Eng Mhlanga explained. — @ncubeleon