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Both Zimbabwe and Zambia are embarking on exploring the feasibility of setting up floating solar plant on the jointly shared Lake Kariba. This information on the Zambia and Zimbabwe Floating Solar project was released by reports on Monday.
This floating solar project is being spearheaded by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA). It is being undertaken in response to the declining generation of electricity from the hydroelectric power plants of the dam. The decline is as a result of a situation that is brought about by the recurring droughts that are linked to climate change.
At recent address to the National Assembly, the Minister of Energy and Power Development of Zimbabwe, Edgar Moyo, revealed about the ongoing feasibility studies. He said that the Zambia and Zimbabwe Floating Solar project feasibility studies are being financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Funding of the Feasibility Study
“Recently, we have commissioned a project study which is being financed by the African Development Bank to look at the viability of setting up floating solar systems on Lake Kariba,” the minister said.
According to Moyo, they had set target of finalizing the Zambia and Zimbabwe Floating Solar project feasibility study by the end of the first quarter of the year 2025. He pointed out that the results would pave way for the development of floating solar systems on Kariba Dam.
Similar Projects
“Furthermore, there are other programs on floating solar systems on Lake Kariba which are going to kick off at the beginning of 2025. So, these are some of the tasks we are undertaking,” he added.
Floating solar technology brings forth a promising choice for expanding the solar energy capacity without necessarily needing extra land.
These systems which are usually mounted on floating platforms, usually benefit from the lower temperature provided by the water. This therefore enhances the efficiency of the operation of the solar cell, especially in hot conditions.
This floating solar plant initiative comes in at a very critical time for Zimbabwe. The country has been trying to cope up with reduced power generation capacity at its main power facilities. Recent challenges experienced have seen the citizens of Zimbabwe go through extended power cuts. According to reports, Zimbabweans go for roughly an average of 18 hours a day without power.
Current State of Affairs on Zimbabwe’s Power Generation Scope
Following the recent drought that hit the country, Zimbabwe has experienced huge power shortages. This has forced the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to execute higher levels of load shedding. Additionally, a technical issue that was experienced at the Hwange Thermal Power Station worsened the power supply shortages. This led to extending power cuts a day to 18 hours.
Moreover, as revealed by ZRA, water levels at the Kariba Dam have dropped to approximately 4.5 per cent as recorded in late October 2024. This is seen as a major decline as compared to late October 2023 which was at 18.6 per cent. |
