By Jane Chanda
Zimbabwe’s Energy and Power Development minister Edgar Moyo has announced plans to boost the country’s energy production, by collaborating with Zambia through the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) to explore the feasibility of installing floating solar systems at Kariba Dam.
According to www.herald.co.zw, Moyo stated that the dam’s capacity had dwindled from 1,050MW to 200MW due to reduced water inflows caused by the El-Nino-induced drought.
He revealed that a study, financed by the African Development Bank (DBZ), was underway to assess the viability of floating solar systems on Lake Kariba, with completion expected by the first quarter of 2025.
Moyo stated that the initiative was aimed at capitalising on Lake Kariba’s potential for solar power and increase Zimbabwe’s clean energy mix.
He also informed the National Assembly last week that Zimbabwe was engaging with the International Atomic Energy Agency to explore nuclear power options.
Moyo stated that committees had been established to oversee this process, with milestones to be met before developing small modular reactors.
He further stated that nine public and private power generation projects would be commissioned next year, adding 2,690 megawatts to the national grid and easing power cuts.
Moyo stated that the Key projects included the 800MW Hwange repowering project, developed by Indian firm Jindal, slated for completion by December next year.
“As Zimbabwe, we have expressed our interest to the IAEA our desire to get into nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. They are with us and they are taking us through,” he is quoted as saying.
He added that the feasibility study on floating solar systems would pave the way for commencing work on Lake Kariba by 2025.
“With floating solar systems, we can expand solar power plants without occupying more land, and their proximity to water enables efficient operation,” he argued.
Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) executive chairman Dr. Sydney Gata stated that the projects would significantly boost energy production and reduce power cuts, noting that the initiatives were crucial for addressing Zimbabwe’s energy challenges.
