Electricity Generation to Increase at Kariba Dam this Winter
There’s good news for Zimbabweans this winter — Kariba South Hydropower Station is expected to ramp up electricity production to around 500 megawatts (MW), thanks to an increase in water allocation from the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
Right now, Kariba is generating about 400MW daily. But rising water levels in Lake Kariba, following better inflows in recent months, have allowed the ZRA to give more water to Zimbabwe’s power utility, ZESA, and its Zambian counterpart, ZESCO.
Electricity Generation to Increase at Kariba Dam this Winter
Energy Minister July Moyo confirmed that Zimbabwe has officially been allocated enough water to generate 485MW. However, he added that power output could temporarily exceed that figure — especially when there’s less demand on the grid.
“We have been allocated water enough to generate 485MW by ZRA. However, we even produce about 500MW so that winter crop farmers have adequate electricity, at the same time being mindful we do not exhaust our yearly allocation,” he explained.
According to Moyo, water levels at Lake Kariba have risen from under 7% earlier this year to more than 16% now — a significant improvement that gives both Zimbabwe and Zambia more breathing room when it comes to electricity production.
Also read: ZESA Reveals Why Load Shedding Has Worsened Again
Farmers Encouraged to Get Prepaid Meters
To avoid blackouts during the winter farming season, Minister Moyo urged farmers to get prepaid electricity meters. He said this would help ensure reliable power supply for irrigation and other needs.
“It is for their benefit to have electricity prepaid meters and at financial institutions where they are getting seed and fertilisers, they can also get assistance on getting prepaid electricity meters. This way they are guaranteed of always having electricity,” he added.
The Government is aiming high under its 2025 winter cereals programme. The goal: harvest 600,000 tonnes of wheat, 39,000 tonnes of barley, and around 236,000 tonnes of potatoes.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Electricity Generation to Increase at Kariba Dam this Winter appeared first on iHarare News.
