Electricity Situation Now Dire As Lake Kariba Water Meant For Power Generation Depletes

The electricity situation in Zimbabwe could worsen as the water necessary for power generation at Lake Kariba depletes.

The Zambezi River Authority shared an update today, announcing that the water levels at Lake Kariba are depressingly low.

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Electricity Situation Now Dire As Kariba Dam Water Meant For Power Generation Depletes

The situation is so dire that last week, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) announced that it might have to shut down its Kariba North Bank power Station. ZESCO warned that as water resources rush to the minimum operational level, there is a looming risk of exhausting the remaining reserves by 14 September.

The Zambezi River Authority updated earlier today:

“The Lake level is decreasing due to higher outflows than inflows. Water storage: 5.37 billion cubic meters (8.30% of live storage available for power generation)

In September 2023, the usable live storage was 26.08%. As of today, the authority said the lake level is 476.70m, compared to 479.21m this time last year.

The Zambezi River Authority explained:

“The Kariba Lake is designed to operate between levels 475.50m and 488.50m (with 0.70m freeboard for hydropower generation.

Lake Kariba Power Generation — *Electricity Situation Now Dire As Lake Kariba Water Meant For Power Generation Depletes [Image: Zambezi River Authority/X]*

This means the dam now has a 1.20m balance that can be used to generate electricity. The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) announced today that it is currently generating 215MW from Lake Kariba. Zimbabwe’s Kariba South Power Station has a total generation capacity of 1050MW.

The El-Nino-induced drought ravaging the region has reduced the Lake Kariba water levels. This has affected power generation in Zambia and Zimbabwe, with both countries experiencing over 18 hours of load shedding.

“It’s Tough!”

Social media users shared their feelings online.

Brian:

“We need to have alternative plans. Kariba is no longer reliable as a power generation source.”

Ngwenya:

“Hah it’s tough, really tough. 1.20m left that is usable.”

Mr T:

“So what was the point of installing new hydro on a weak capacity dam? You haven’t exceeded previous generation after the installation. Wasted money.”

Mukaranga:

“Tirikunamata dai mvura yanaya gore izadze Kariba maybe we can save our people from Gata and India 5 billion US fradulent loan irikuda kupiwa nyika. India want to produce 1200MW at 5 billion while our Unit 7 & 8 with 600W cost 1.4 billion. Our parliament must stop Gata asaba.”

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