Zimbabwe has been grappling with a series of power outages in recent times, igniting concerns about the country’s electricity generation and distribution. However, a closer look at the situation, as unveiled by Energy and Power Development Permanent Secretary Dr. Gloria Magombo, reveals a more nuanced perspective.
Dr. Magombo insists that the power outages are not indicative of a subdued generation capacity. She attributes many of the recent outages to specific faults rather than an overall inadequacy of power supply. Furthermore, she highlights that the installation of solar panels by private businesses has led to a reduction in demand on the national grid, alleviating some of the strain on the existing power infrastructure.
In response to the outages, the government is now requiring ZESA, the country’s electricity supplier, to furnish a detailed report elucidating the causes of the problems and the strategies being implemented to prevent their recurrence. Dr. Magombo emphasizes that while there has been an uptick in electricity demand due to enhanced economic activities in the country, concerted efforts have been undertaken to stave off any potential shortages.
The government has devised a multi-pronged approach to address these challenges. This includes immediate measures to ensure the viability of ZESA as a company, medium-term solutions such as the completion of the Hwange power generation units seven and eight, and long-term strategies like the development of the Batoka Gorge hydropower station and harnessing the recently discovered gas reserves in Muzarabani. Dr. Magombo also commends the significant investments made by companies in solar energy, which has been instrumental in lightening the burden on the national grid.
An essential aspect of the government’s approach is to encourage the involvement of independent power producers and industries in augmenting the country’s power capacity. Dr. Magombo underscores the significance of diversifying the energy mix, including the promotion of renewable energy sources and incentivizing the private sector to contribute to the overall energy supply.
The challenges faced by the aging Hwange power units, compounded by the impact of climate change on water availability for hydroelectric power generation at Kariba, have been acknowledged. Candidly, Dr. Magombo acknowledges the need for increased imports to complement the internal supply, particularly with the reduced capacity of Kariba South due to lower inflows.
Looking forward, the government is committed to bolstering the power generation capacity over the next two years, with a keen focus on engaging private sector partnerships and announcing new projects aimed at expanding the energy infrastructure. Dr. Magombo reaffirms the government’s dedication to implementing robust energy policies and harnessing renewable energy sources to shore up the national power grid.
While challenges persist, Dr. Magombo emphasizes that the government remains proactive and demands clear solutions from ZESA to mitigate future disruptions. She underscores the collaborative effort between the government and private sector stakeholders in fortifying Zimbabwe’s energy security.
In seeking to offer transparency, Dr. Magombo reassures the public that instances of system faults and resultant outages are carefully scrutinized by ZESA to provide comprehensive reports and preventative measures. This insistence on accountability underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of power disruptions, engendering trust and confidence among the populace.
The narrative put forth by Dr. Gloria Magombo offers a comprehensive understanding of Zimbabwe’s energy landscape, challenging conventional perceptions and underscoring the multifaceted initiatives underway to safeguard the country’s energy future.
