As of 2023, electricity consumption in Zimbabwe shows a noteworthy division between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. The country relies on low-carbon energy for more than half of its electricity needs, with hydropower making up the substantial portion of this category, at 53%. Fossil energy, derived entirely from coal, accounts for over a quarter of the country's electricity consumption. Net imports, representing nearly a fifth of the electricity supply, showcase Zimbabwe's reliance on neighboring regions to meet its demand. Biofuels contribute a small share to the low-carbon mix, adding about 1%. Overall, the data suggests a solid inclination towards clean energy, though not without a significant dependency on coal.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Zimbabwe?
The trend in Zimbabwe's electricity consumption presents challenges, as seen by the decrease in per capita electricity usage from a peak of 1102 kWh/person in 1987 to 625 kWh/person in 2023. This represents a decline of almost 500 kWh per person, indicating stagnation, if not regression, in electricity consumption, which is concerning in a world that requires more electricity to drive progress. Low-carbon electricity generation echoes a similar downward trend, dropping by around 225 kWh/person since the record in 1980. These declines in overall and clean electricity generation point to a pressing need for enhanced capacity and development in Zimbabwe's electricity sector.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Zimbabwe can learn from successful regions, particularly regarding nuclear and solar energy. France and Slovakia exhibit exceptional reliance on nuclear power, with around two-thirds of their electricity generated this way, offering Zimbabwe a model for expanding its own nuclear capacity. Regarding solar energy, Nevada and California present excellent examples, with solar contributing about a third of their electricity. Embracing nuclear and solar energy can mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuels, such as climate change and air pollution, while ensuring sustainable growth in electricity generation and moving towards a greener future.
History
Zimbabwe's history of low-carbon electricity has seen fluctuations mainly in hydropower generation. During the 1980s, minor ups and downs occurred, with more significant changes seen throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Hydropower generation witnessed notable decreases in the early 1990s, but occasional surges allowed for temporary recoveries. The 2010s experienced further volatility, with moderate increases followed by setbacks in certain years. Most recently, 2021 saw a promising rise in hydropower generation by over 2 TWh, although a slight decrease occurred again by 2023. Zimbabwe's journey illustrates the challenges of depending solely on hydropower, emphasizing the need for diversification through nuclear and solar energy investments to ensure consistent low-carbon electricity growth.
