DATA trends on Zimbabwe’s electricity generation show that hydropower and coal have remained the country’s dominant energy sources over the past two decades, although hydropower has accounted for the larger share during most years.
Figures from Our World in Data indicate that between 2000 and 2024, electricity production fluctuated significantly between the two sources, reflecting changing water levels, energy demand and generation capacity challenges within the country’s power sector.
At the beginning of the period in 2000, coal contributed 53.3% of Zimbabwe’s electricity generation, compared to hydropower’s 45.6%. However, hydropower overtook coal in subsequent years, rising sharply to above 60% by 2003.
The data shows that hydropower reached some of its highest levels between 2007 and 2009, contributing about 74.5% of total electricity production, while coal dropped to nearly 24% over the same period.
From 2010 onwards, the energy mix became more volatile. Coal production recovered in some years, while hydropower output declined intermittently, likely reflecting drought conditions affecting water levels at Kariba Dam, Zimbabwe’s major hydroelectric power source.
In 2016, coal briefly overtook hydropower after thermal energy contributed 54.2% of generation, compared to hydropower’s 41.5%. However, hydropower later regained dominance, peaking again at 69% in 2021.
By 2024, hydropower accounted for 55.3% of electricity production, while coal contributed 42.8%, showing that Zimbabwe’s energy sector remains heavily dependent on the two sources.
The data also reflects limited diversification into renewable energy alternatives such as solar and wind, despite growing concerns over climate change, droughts and recurring electricity shortages affecting households and industries across the country. – IOW Data.
