Africa

Zambia is grappling with a climate-related energy crisis that has severely diminished its power supply. Frustrated residents are even transporting their entire desktop computers to local cafes to work. The country is experiencing unprecedented electricity blackouts due to a severe drought that has left the Kariba dam, the source of much of its power, with critically low water levels. This massive dam, built in the 1950s, was intended to provide a sustainable source of hydroelectric power by harnessing the Zambezi River. However, prolonged drought conditions, worsened by the El Niño weather pattern and rising temperatures, have pushed Zambia’s hydroelectric capacity to the brink of collapse. Currently, only one of the six turbines at the dam can operate, generating less than 10% of its normal output. With over 80% of Zambia’s electricity coming from Kariba, residents often experience just a few hours of power each day, and some areas go days without any electricity. The situation is particularly detrimental to small businesses, which struggle to operate during daylight hours. Tindor Sikunyongana, who runs a welding business, expressed his frustration, noting that his generator ran out of diesel while he was speaking. He has tried to mitigate the impact by investing in a diesel generator, but the cost of fuel is often prohibitive. Experts warn that Zambia’s heavy reliance on hydroelectric power has left it vulnerable. Geoffrey Chiyumbe, Vice Chairman of the Energy Committee at the Engineering Institute of Zambia, noted the risks of depending on hydro for 85% of the energy supply and emphasized the need for a more diverse energy mix to prevent crises like the current one. At the Kariba dam, the 128-meter-high wall is nearly exposed, with a reddish-brown stain marking where the water once flowed in better times over a decade ago.