ZIMBABWEThe government of Zimbabwe and Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore nuclear generation as the Southern African nation seeks to cut its reliance on hydroelectric power.

“The anticipated cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes will provide alternative sources of energy which Zimbabwe needs,” Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said in an emailed statement to the press.

The country’s co-operation with Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company, will also explore the feasibility of constructing a nuclear science and technology centre, she said.

No further details of the agreement were provided.

Zimbabwe aims to ease its dependency on electricity produced from Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made reservoir, producing 750MW, where water levels have declined.

The country’s power crisis worsened after a drought last season and frequent breakdowns at the main coal-fired power station in Hwange, which has an installed capacity of 920 MW, and at three minor coal fired stations led to daily outages lasting as long as 18 hours.

Apart from the Kariba Dam Hydroelectric Power Station, there is still quite a lot of hydropower potential especially along the Zambezi River.

“The anticipated cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes will provide alternative sources of energy which Zimbabwe needs”

Monica Mutsvangwa – Information Minister, Zimbabwe

Solar Power also has enormous potential both in small and large scale. Wind and biogas energy are other possibilities

Russia has signed more than a dozen intergovernmental agreements in Africa in recent years and Rosatom is cooperating with more than 20 countries on the continent.

Another African nation Burundi approached Rosatom earlier this year, 2021 to help develop a nuclear plant with capacity to produce 556 megawatts to power its mining industry.

Rosatom is the largest producer of electricity in Russia, ensuring over 20% of the country’s energy needs.

Over the years, Zimbabwe has faced consistent power shortages as indicated by an estimated deficit of approximately 60%.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority’s (ZESA) generation capacity was measured in February 2016 as producing at only 845 MW, against a projected national demand of 2,200 MW and an installed capacity of approximately 1,940 MW.

The country is importing power from South Africa, Mozambique, and the DRC, however recent announcements indicate substantial potential changes meant to strengthen the national energy mix through new hydro-, solar- and coal-based generation.

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