Zim Prepares for Increased Load Shedding This Festive Season
Zimbabweans should brace for more load shedding as the festive season approaches, largely due to frequent breakdowns of aging equipment at Hwange Thermal Power Station.
The situation is expected to worsen with the rainy season, which typically brings an increase in electrical faults.
During a recent National Assembly session, Energy Minister Edgar Moyo confirmed that the aging units one to six at Hwange are contributing to the rise in blackouts.
He announced plans to repower these units starting in 2025 through a partnership with the Indian company Jindal.
Moyo also noted the impact of the ongoing drought on Lake Kariba, which is critical for balancing power generation.
Usable water levels in the dam have dropped dramatically, from 11.59 billion cubic meters (17.90% capacity) in 2023 to just 2.89 billion cubic meters (4.46% capacity) this year.
To mitigate power shortages, the government is urging ferrochrome smelters to establish their own power generation by the end of 2025, as pressure mounts to resolve the country’s energy crisis.
