https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240424/zambia-intends-to-import-electricity-amid-hydropower-shortage-due-to-drought-1066210267.html
Zambia Intends to Import Electricity Amid Hydropower Shortage Due to Drought
Zambia Intends to Import Electricity Amid Hydropower Shortage Due to Drought
Sputnik Africa
Last week, Zambia's national power utility issued force majeure notices to some mines due to power shortages. Zambia's energy and agricultural security have... 24.04.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-04-24T11:56+0200
2024-04-24T11:56+0200
2024-04-24T12:22+0200
sub-saharan africa
zambia
southern africa
electricity
power
hydropower plant
drought
state of emergency
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Zambia's state-owned power utility, ZESCO, said in a statement that it is seeking to import electricity to avoid power shortages caused by drought in the country.ZESCO explained that the prolonged drought, exacerbated by the natural phenomenon of El Niño, has lowered water levels at dams in a country that relies on hydropower for 86% of its electricity. As a result, the utility estimates a power shortage of 700 MW in 2024.In addition to energy imports, ZESCO announced plans to introduce power supply agreements to facilitate access to backup power at critical times and a cost-shifting mechanism to manage the additional costs of backup power more equitably.In early March, Victor Mapani, managing director of ZESCO, said Zambia had decided to introduce power rationing due to the ongoing drought. He further stated that Zambia will continue to import electricity from Mozambique to alleviate power shortages in the economy.On March 1, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema declared a national state of emergency due to a drought that has devastated food production and power generation and called on both local and international partners to help combat its effects.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240308/zambia-will-implement-load-shedding-as-country-faces-severe-drought-1065456367.html
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zambia, southern africa, electricity, power, hydropower plant, drought, state of emergency
zambia, southern africa, electricity, power, hydropower plant, drought, state of emergency
Zambia Intends to Import Electricity Amid Hydropower Shortage Due to Drought
11:56 24.04.2024 (Updated: 12:22 24.04.2024) Last week, Zambia's national power utility issued force majeure notices to some mines due to power shortages. Zambia's energy and agricultural security have been significantly affected by the lack of rainfall, as the country heavily relies on hydropower for its energy.
Zambia's state-owned power utility, ZESCO, said in a statement that it is seeking to import electricity to avoid power shortages caused by drought in the country.
"We are negotiating additional electricity imports that will be strategically allocated to crucial sectors, including mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, to support economic stability and growth," the company said.
ZESCO explained that the prolonged drought, exacerbated by the natural phenomenon of El Niño, has lowered water levels at dams in a country that
relies on hydropower for 86% of its electricity. As a result, the utility estimates a power shortage of 700 MW in 2024.
"The current environmental conditions have severely impacted our ability to meet this demand, resulting in necessary power rationing measures and projected substantial financial losses for the corporation," ZESCO noted, adding that the losses can "potentially diminish national economic output, especially within the mining sector."
In addition to energy imports, ZESCO announced plans to introduce power supply agreements to facilitate access to backup power at critical times and a cost-shifting mechanism to manage the additional costs of backup power more equitably.
In early March, Victor Mapani, managing director of ZESCO, said Zambia had decided to introduce power rationing due to the ongoing drought. He further stated that Zambia will continue to import electricity from Mozambique to alleviate power shortages in the economy.
On March 1, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema declared a national state of emergency due to
a drought that has devastated food production and power generation and called on both local and international partners to help combat its effects.
