Zambia-Zimbabwe Solar Project on Kariba

Key Figures & Findings: Zambia and Zimbabwe are collaborating on the feasibility of a floating solar project on Lake Kariba, an initiative led by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA). Founded to manage water resources and hydroelectric projects along the Zambezi, ZRA plays a key role in regional energy initiatives. Zimbabwe has been hit hard by drought-linked energy shortages, with daily power outages lasting up to 18 hours due to low water levels impacting hydroelectric power. The project’s feasibility study, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is set to conclude by early 2025, providing critical insights into the viability of integrating solar solutions on the lake to support local energy demands.

Statistics & Insights:  Water levels in Kariba Dam fell to 4.5% in October 2024, down sharply from 18.6% a year earlier, intensifying the need for alternative energy. The floating solar project aims to leverage Lake Kariba’s cooler water to improve solar panel efficiency, which could offset current hydroelectric losses.

Future Implications: Should the feasibility study conclude positively, the project could commence by 2025, potentially serving as a template for other African nations facing similar hydroelectric constraints. This approach could help stabilize power supplies for Zambia and Zimbabwe, paving the way for similar renewable energy solutions in climate-vulnerable regions.

Source: Construction Review Online