Page 19 - EngineerIT June July 2025

ENERGY

National blackouts in Zimbabwe, with some

progress in Zambia widens power divide

By Chris Yelland morning of Friday 4 July, compounding bid to acquire a majority stake in
existing electricity shortages caused by Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company,
outhern Africa’s fragile power declining generation capacity, ageing which owns 56 MW of hydro capacity.
networks were again thrust infrastructure and drought-induced The deal signals renewed investor
Sinto the spotlight this week as hydropower constraints. confidence in Zambia’s power sector
Zimbabwe plunged into a nationwide and builds on the government’s efforts
blackout, while neighbouring Zambia In contrast, Zambia is showing signs to liberalise and decarbonise its
made some strides in addressing its of moves towards greater energy energy mix.
power problems in a move to a more resilience through growing private
sustainable energy future. A “major investment in renewables. Africa While Zimbabwe battles recurring
disturbance” on Zimbabwe’s national GreenCo and Axian Energy have system failures and outdated
grid late evening on Wednesday 2 July partnered to develop two new grid- infrastructure, Zambia is emerging
2025, triggered a complete shutdown of connected solar photovoltaic projects as a regional renewables frontrunner,
electricity generation across the country, with a combined capacity of 250 MW. highlighting the growing divergence in
including at the Kariba South Hydro These plants, to be located in central energy fortunes across Southern Africa.
Power Station. and southern Zambia, aim to support Without urgent reforms and investment,
regional power pool trade and reduce Zimbabwe risks further isolation from
The blackout, confirmed by the reliance on hydropower, which has the regional power transition.
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and been strained by erratic rainfall.
Distribution Company (ZETDC), disrupted To see an archive of all energy and
business and households nationwide. Meanwhile, British independent power electricity sector roundups to date,
Power had yet to be fully restored by the producer Globeleq is advancing its visit: www.eebi.co.za/news

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19 | EngineerIT June/July 2025