In a groundbreaking move, ZESA Holdings has announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at ending load shedding by next year and achieving universal access to electricity across Zimbabwe by 2030.
The Vision for Zimbabwe's Energy Future
Dr. Gata's vision for Zimbabwe's energy future is both bold and transformative. The plan seeks to enhance energy security, laying a firm foundation for the country's economic growth, improved quality of life, social equity, enhanced infrastructure, increased productivity, and overall development."In accordance with Government policy, ZESA will re-bundle its group of companies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency," Dr. Gata explained. This restructuring aims to create a more cohesive approach to energy management and distribution, allowing for quicker responses to national energy demands.
Key Components of the Strategy
Local Manufacturing and International Partnerships
One of the cornerstones of ZESA's strategy is the emphasis on local manufacturing. Dr. Gata highlighted the importance of internalising the production of all hardware deployed in the electricity supply industry. "We have already commissioned an SPV that will manufacture cables and conductors," he said. This move is expected to mitigate currency risks and ensure a steady supply of essential components.![]() |
ZESA Unveils Ambitious Plan to End Load Shedding and Achieve Universal Electricity Access by 2030 |
Organisational Efficiency
To streamline operations, ZESA will re-bundle its group of companies. This restructuring aims to enhance efficiency and create a more cohesive approach to energy management and distribution. "We now have positive investments in the generation sector as well as in other sectors of our industry," Dr. Gata noted.Shifting Energy Supply Risks
Dr. Gata emphasized the need to shift the risk of energy supply from the government and ZESA to the companies themselves, particularly in the mining and smelting sectors. "We have shifted the risk of energy supply in respect of the big companies from the Government and ZESA to the companies themselves," he said. This approach mirrors the government's previous strategy in the fuel sector, which successfully eliminated fuel queues.Timeline for Power Sector Transformation
ZESA's timeline for power sector transformation includes significant milestones that promise to reshape Zimbabwe's electricity landscape over the next decade:- 2024: Clearance of the connections backlog.
- 2025: End of load shedding.
- 2026: Complete clearance of the connections backlog.
- 2027: End of power imports.
- 2028: Achieve net exporter status.
- 2029: Become a world-class power lighting country.
- 2030: Achieve universal access to electricity.
Investment in New Power Projects
Dr. Gata revealed that ZESA is making considerable investments in new power projects. "We now have captive power plant projects, they are six, which together add up to more than 1000MW that are being commenced, most of them in the next month," he said. In total, nine new power station projects are starting this month, with groundbreaking for three of them scheduled for next month. These projects are expected to add 2,690MW to the grid, almost doubling the current dependable capacity.Addressing the Root Causes of Power Shortages
Dr. Gata attributed the power shortages to several factors, including economic sanctions that have restricted ZESA from accessing essential infrastructure funding. "Power shortages are largely due to the illegal sanctions imposed on us," he explained. Additionally, challenges with Kariba's hydropower output have exacerbated the situation. "We have been unfortunate with Kariba hydrology, or more accurately, Zambezi hydrology," Dr. Gata said. The power station, typically rated at 1,050MW, now barely produces 150MW.ZESA Unveils Ambitious Plan to End Load Shedding and Achieve Universal Electricity Access by 2030
ZESA's comprehensive strategy to end load shedding and achieve universal electricity access by 2030 is a bold and ambitious plan that promises to transform Zimbabwe's energy landscape. By focusing on local manufacturing, international partnerships, and organisational efficiency, ZESA aims to enhance energy security and lay a firm foundation for the country's economic growth and development.As Zimbabwe embarks on this transformative journey, the success of ZESA's strategy will be closely watched by stakeholders and citizens alike. The promise of a brighter, more energy-secure future is within reach, and with continued investment and strategic leadership, Zimbabwe can look forward to a future where load shedding is a thing of the past.
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What are your thoughts on ZESA's ambitious plan? Do you believe it will successfully end load shedding and achieve universal electricity access by 2030? Share your views in the comments below!
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