Zero Load Shedding by 2027: ZESA Outlines Ambitious Roadmap to Stabilize National Grid

Southerton Business Times
3 days ago
2 min read

(Batoka): "Architectural rendering of the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Scheme on the Zambezi River — **Batoka Artist's impression**

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has set its sights on eliminating load shedding before the end of the year as it intensifies efforts to stabilize electricity supply and strengthen the national grid. This ambitious goal follows a record-breaking 41-day streak without power cuts earlier this year, signaling a major turning point for the utility.

Speaking during the SADC Sustainable Energy Week in Victoria Falls, ZESA executives briefed Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga on a multi-pronged roadmap designed to end persistent power shortages while advancing broader energy access targets.

The Three-Pillar Strategy for Power Stability

To ensure the goal is met, ZESA is focusing on a comprehensive overhaul of the electricity value chain. The utility’s strategy is built on three critical pillars:

Generation: Diversifying the energy mix to reduce reliance on aging thermal plants.
Transmission: Upgrading high-voltage lines to reduce technical losses.
Distribution: Enhancing "last mile" connectivity for domestic and industrial users.

Diversifying the Energy Mix: Solar, Wind, and Hydro

ZESA is aggressively pivoting toward renewable and sustainable energy to buffer the grid against fluctuating water levels at Lake Kariba and coal supply inconsistencies.

Net Metering Expansion: Encouraging domestic and commercial users to generate their own solar power and feed the excess back into the national grid.
Wind Energy: Feasibility studies are currently underway to identify high-potential wind corridors for turbine deployment.
Major Projects: The long-awaited Batoka Gorge Hydro Power Project remains a cornerstone of long-term energy security, expected to provide massive base-load power for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Zimbabwe as a Regional Power Hub

Leveraging its central location within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), Zimbabwe is upgrading its grid connections to enhance electricity trading with neighbors, including South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia.

By strengthening transmission infrastructure, ZESA aims to create a flexible system that can seamlessly import power during peak deficits and export surplus electricity during periods of low demand.

The Drive for Universal Access by 2030

Parallel to stabilizing the grid, ZESA is accelerating its "last mile" electrification program. The utility has set a target to connect 320,000 households to the grid annually. This initiative is a critical component of Zimbabwe’s vision to achieve universal energy access by 2030, ensuring that rural and underserved communities are not left behind in the country’s industrialization drive.