Zambia and Zimbabwe Experience Nationwide Blackouts Amidst Energy Crisis
Zambia and Zimbabwe experienced nationwide blackouts on Sunday evening due to power supply disruptions linked to severe drought conditions affecting the Kariba Dam. Investigations are underway to determine the outage’s cause. Both countries have been limiting power supply to about seven hours daily, prompting residents to consider solar energy as an alternative.
Late on Sunday evening, Zambia and Zimbabwe faced simultaneous nationwide power outages, triggering investigations into the cause of these disruptions as authorities moved to restore electricity. Both nations have experienced significant power limitations recently, with a daily supply of only approximately seven hours attributed to record low water levels at the Kariba Dam, the primary hydropower source for the region. The Zambian government confirmed that the power failure occurred at 8:15 PM, affecting all regions.
Zambia and Zimbabwe continue to grapple with severe electricity shortages, largely due to prolonged dry spells affecting the Kariba Dam’s water levels. The dam is crucial for hydropower generation, and as reserves dwindle—approximately 2.40 percent capacity reported by the Zambezi River Authority—the impacted countries are searching for alternative energy solutions. This situation has seen a rise in the adoption of solar energy by citizens seeking reliable power sources amidst the ongoing outages.
The recent nationwide blackouts experienced by Zambia and Zimbabwe signify an urgent energy crisis exacerbated by the depletion of resources at the Kariba Dam. As investigations into the cause of the outage continue and power is gradually restored, citizens are urged to seek alternative energy sources while governments explore long-term solutions to ensure a more stable power supply.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
