Zimbabwe's Looming Energy Crisis: 20-Hour Power Cuts with Relief Only Expected in 2025

Zimbabwe is currently facing one of its worst electricity shortages, with citizens having to endure up to 20-hour power cuts daily. The situation is grim, and according to Energy Minister Edgar Moyo, the country will not see significant improvement until 2025. As it stands, Zimbabwe's peak demand for electricity is 1,850MW, a stark contrast to the current generation capacity which is less than 1,200MW from its main power plants.

The Hwange Thermal Power Station produces only 674MW, while the Kariba Hydrothermal Power Station is operating far below its potential, providing just 500MW against an optimum capacity of 1,050MW. Further exacerbating the issue, Independent Power Producers (IPP) contribute a mere 38MW, indicating a vast disparity between supply and national requirement.

Maintenance work on Hwange's Unit 7 and imminent downtime for Unit 8 suggest that no immediate relief is in sight. The predicament in Kariba is particularly distressing as mentioned by Minister Moyo in response to parliamentary questions. The effective utilization at Kariba should be full capacity, yet currently, it fluctuates significantly below that.

The government has set a target to cater to the country's energy needs of around 3,500MW by 2025 and has opted to take a dual approach to resolve the crisis. It plans to encourage private sector-led coal mining initiatives and invest in new technologies like green hydrogen, floating solar panels, battery energy storage systems, and multiple renewable energy projects across the nation.

The current power shortages have created a two-tier society when it comes to electricity access. Regions that include VIP residences, major hospitals, and broadcasting stations enjoy uninterrupted electricity. Meanwhile, the masses are left to seek alternative means to cope with the deep load shedding.

The wealthy have turned to solar power and petrol or diesel backup generators. Solar energy, which is increasingly popular due to its long-term cost benefits and independence from fuel, typically involves the installment of two 24-volt panels and four 12-volt batteries for home use.

However, for the average citizen earning around R4,500, sustainable energy remains a distant dream. Consequently, more traditional and accessible methods like charcoal are gaining popularity. A single 50kg bag of charcoal, which can last a month, costs around R100 and is produced by burning mopani trees in the wild. Additionally, the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is on the rise in urban areas, with ZERA estimating consumption to reach 65 million kilograms by December, a sharp increase from just five million a decade ago.

The steep cost of gas at about R38 per kg, however, places it beyond the reach of ordinary Zimbabweans who are caught in the crosshairs of an energy catastrophe. The road ahead to 2025 is both long and challenging, as Zimbabwe grapples with energy generation, financial constraints, and the environmental impact of their choices.