Zimbabwe and Zambia are exploring the feasibility of establishing a floating solar plant on the jointly shared Lake Kariba, according to reports monitored here on Monday.
The initiative is being facilitated by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) and is in response to declining electricity generation from the dam’s hydroelectric plants, a situation exacerbated by recurring droughts linked to climate change.
During a recent address to the National Assembly, Zimbabwe’s Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo outlined the ongoing feasibility studies supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“We have commissioned a study which is being financed by AfDB to look at the viability of floating solar systems on Lake Kariba.â€
Moyo said the target was to finalise the study by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
He noted that the findings would pave the way for the development of floating solar systems on the dam.
“There are other programmes also on floating solar systems on Lake Kariba which are going to begin early next year. So, these are some of the things we are doing,†he added.
Floating solar technology presents a promising alternative for expanding solar energy capacity without the need for additional land.
These systems, mounted on floating platforms, benefit from cooler temperatures provided by the water, enhancing the efficiency of solar cell operation, particularly in hot conditions.
The initiative comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe, which has been struggling with reduced generation capacity at its major power facilities.
The challenges have seen Zimbabweans experiencing extended periods of power cuts – often an average of 18 hours a day without electricity – over the past few months.
ZRA is a body jointly owned by Zambia and Zimbabwe, with the responsibility of operating and maintaining Kariba Dam.
JN/APA
