Zimbabwe: Kariba Hydro Plant Needs U.S.$400 Million for Expansion

AN estimated US$400 million would be required for the planned expansion of the Kariba South hydropower plant in the next three years.

Kariba Hydro Power Station is currently churning an average 750 megawatts, its optimal capacity, following recent rehabilitation of the plant.

However, the expansion of the power plant’s capacity will not result in consistent high power output as the water levels in the Zambezi River have gone down considerably over the last few decades.
The expansion of Kariba would, however, give Zimbabwe more latitude to cope with high demand, as that would allow use of more water power to run turbines for more output at the peak of demand for power.

Less water and generators would have to be used during certain periods when demand for power is low such that power utility Zesa stays within water use rations set by the Zambezi River Authority.

In effect, it means Zimbabwe has more power for more energy only for given periods after which it would have to cut back on the amount of water used to power turbines, thereby reducing output.

An acute power deficit means the country has had to find alternative ways to reduce the effect of the shortage as demand for power rises with a recovery in the performance of the local economy.

AllAfrica