Kariba Lake Water Levels Rise, But Energy Crisis in Zambia Remains Severe
Despite a modest rise in water levels at Kariba Lake, Zambia continues to face a significant energy crisis that is unlikely to be alleviated by current conditions. According to the latest hydrology report from the Zambezi River Authority, Kariba Lake’s water level has increased to 475.87 meters as of January 6, 2025, up from 475.15 meters recorded on December 16, 2024. While this marks a positive change, the current water levels still fall short of the 477.28 meters recorded in the same period last year.
In terms of usable live storage for power generation, there has been a slight improvement from 2.41 percent on December 16, 2024, to 2.61 percent on January 6, 2025. However, this remains drastically low compared to the 12.32 percent recorded in early 2024, a clear indicator of the ongoing challenges in meeting the country’s energy demands.
The Kariba Dam, a crucial source of hydroelectric power for Zambia and Zimbabwe, operates optimally between water levels of 475.50 meters and 488.50 meters. However, with the current water levels still below this range, and with a required 0.70-meter freeboard for safe hydropower generation, the ability to generate sufficient electricity remains limited.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote has explained that the country’s energy crisis has been exacerbated by the combination of Kariba Dam’s reduced water levels and insufficient tariff rates from the ZESCO utility, which have failed to cover the costs of importing electricity. “Currently, power generation averages 890 megawatts against an installed capacity of 3,777 megawatts, while national peak demand stands at 2,400 megawatts,” Chikote said. This has resulted in a massive energy deficit of 1,510 megawatts, contributing to severe daily load shedding, which now lasts up to 17 hours in some areas.
President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly acknowledged the gravity of the situation, attributing part of the crisis to climate change and the effects of the El Niño weather pattern, which have intensified the drought conditions in Southern Africa. To mitigate the energy shortfall, the government is implementing measures to reduce dependence on hydroelectric power and to diversify the energy mix by promoting renewable and alternative energy sources.
Despite the persistent crisis, there is some hope, as energy expert Johnstone Chikwanda notes. He believes that addressing bureaucratic barriers and encouraging private sector investment in energy production could unlock potential solutions to Zambia’s energy woes. “The reforms being put in place, along with strong leadership driving energy policy, suggest that Zambia is better positioned to manage this crisis than in the past,” Chikwanda said.
The United Nations has flagged Zambia, alongside Zimbabwe and Malawi, as one of the hardest-hit countries by the ongoing regional drought, which began earlier in 2024. The drought’s impact on water levels in key reservoirs like Kariba has compounded the challenge, leaving Zambia and its neighbors scrambling for solutions to their energy needs.
Keywords: Zambia, Kariba Lake, energy crisis, hydroelectric power, Zambezi River Authority, load shedding, power deficit, President Hakainde Hichilema, El Niño, climate change, ZESCO, water levels, Kariba Dam, alternative energy, energy reforms, Southern Africa drought, Zambia news, energy expert Johnstone Chikwanda.
