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In a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, electricity generation at the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Plant saw a remarkable surge on March 4th, reaching 485 megawatts (MW), a nine-month record high since June 2024.
By Ryan Chigoche
This increase brought today’s total output to 1,304 MW, up from 910 MW the previous day.
The surge in electricity production can be attributed to a rise in Lake Kariba’s water levels, which reached 9.6% on March 3rd, 2025, up from 6.17% on February 3rd, 2025.
This improvement in water levels is due to increased rainfall, as reported by the Zambezi River Authority. However, water levels still remain below last year’s figure of 15.36% for the same period.
This decline in water levels has contributed to a decrease in usable live storage for power generation, which has dropped to 6.21 billion cubic meters (BCM) from 9.95 BCM last year, reflecting a reduction in the available capacity for hydroelectric generation.
Furthermore, the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has a capacity of 1,050 MW, has been generating only 185 MW per day in recent times.
The recent increase in electricity generation is crucial, especially as Hwange Unit 7 went offline for Class B maintenance from March 2nd to March 29th, removing 300 MW from the national grid.
The additional 300 MW from Kariba will help mitigate the gap in supply, assuming this generation level continues.
This surge in electricity generation also comes as a welcome development for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, which is heavily reliant on a steady and affordable power supply.
Mining operations, known for their substantial power requirements, have long struggled with power shortages and the high cost of diesel-powered generators. As many miners have yet to invest in solar plants due to the substantial capital needed for such investments, the increased electricity generation from Kariba offers critical relief.
The availability of more reliable and cheaper power will reduce the need for costly diesel backup systems, helping mining companies cut operational costs and improve their competitiveness.
Meanwhile, both Zimbabwe and Zambia remain heavily dependent on the Kariba Dam for electricity generation, making this boost in production even more vital for meeting national energy needs.
