In Zimbabwe, the current state of electricity consumption reveals a promising shift towards cleaner energy sources, with low-carbon options making up slightly more than half of the total electricity supply. Hydropower is the dominant low-carbon source, contributing approximately 53% of the total electricity, indicating its historical importance in Zimbabwe's energy mix. Biofuels, while classified under low-carbon, contribute only a small fraction to the energy landscape. Meanwhile, fossil fuels account for about a quarter of the electricity consumption, entirely represented by coal. Net imports make up nearly a fifth of the energy consumption, pointing to a degree of reliance on external energy supplies.
Is Electricity Growing in Zimbabwe?
Electricity consumption per person in Zimbabwe has significantly declined from past records, raising concerns about stagnation in energy growth. As of 2023, the per capita electricity consumption stands at 625 kWh, a notable decrease from the previous high of 1102 kWh in 1987. This downward trend is mirrored in the low-carbon electricity sector; today’s generation of 343 kWh per person contrasts sharply with the 568 kWh record set in 1980. This shift represents a drop of 478 kWh in overall consumption per capita and a 225 kWh decrease in low-carbon generation, highlighting challenges in sustaining and expanding electricity access to meet growing demand and facilitate future developments.
Suggestions
To propel the growth of low-carbon electricity, Zimbabwe can take cues from successful regions using innovative energy strategies. Emulating countries with significant contributions from either solar or nuclear power could be transformative. For instance, Lebanon and Nevada have impressive solar electricity shares of around 31% and 29%, respectively, suggesting the potential for solar energy expansion in sunny climates. In terms of nuclear energy, examples like France, Slovakia, and South Carolina, which derive over half their electricity from nuclear power, underscore its potential as a stable, low-carbon option. By investing in and learning from these regions' commitments to solar and nuclear energy, Zimbabwe can diversify its energy mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and ensure a sustainable, low-carbon future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Zimbabwe is shaped predominantly by hydropower, with fluctuating contributions over the decades. In the early 1980s, hydropower saw variable outputs with notable declines, particularly in 1982 and 1987. The 1990s started with an increase in hydropower reaching a positive peak in 1990, but mid-decade saw a decrease, including a significant drop in 1993. Sporadic increases followed in 1999, 2002, and particularly in 2003. However, the pattern of decline continued, with the year 2016 witnessing a major loss of 2 TWh. Recent years brought some stability and growth, with the highest increase occurring in 2021. This historical variability highlights both challenges and potential in expanding Zimbabwe's low-carbon energy sources in a sustainable manner.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.