Drought triggers acceleration of coal power plants in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Zambia and Zimbabwe have been severely impacted by an energy crisis fueled by record-low water levels at the Kariba Dam, which supplies electricity to both nations. Over the past year, these countries experienced significant blackouts, with Zambians facing electricity outages as their hydroelectric turbines operated at less than 10 percent capacity. In Zimbabwe, the blackouts became so extreme that even high-ranking officials were caught off-guard, illustrating the emergency's severity. The government announced plans for over 2.2 GW of new coal power capacity in response to rising energy needs, attracting investments mainly from China and India. However, this reliance on coal infrastructure has drawn criticism due to its environmental impacts and potential legacy it leaves for future generations. The focus on expanding coal power is seen as counterproductive, especially as ongoing droughts exacerbate the climate crisis. Environmental advocates argue that such developments increase dependency on fossil fuels and distract from the critical need for transitioning to renewable energy. Several experts emphasize that investing in coal when facing water scarcity is illogical, as coal power generation demands significant water resources. The call for a just transition towards renewable energy has become crucial, with stakeholders stressing the importance of climate finance from wealthier nations to support sustainable energy solutions. Despite the focus on coal, the broader outlook across Africa reveals a decline in new pipeline projects, as many countries are actively reducing or eliminating proposed coal developments. Notably, China continues to escalate its involvement in coal plant construction, contrasting with trends seen in Europe and the United Kingdom, which have committed to phasing out coal altogether. The infrastructure built in Zambia and Zimbabwe, particularly the 1.2 GW Prestige power station, has raised concerns about the environmental and social costs that accompany the rush for immediate energy solutions. As the demand for new coal power plants grows, the environmental implications remain a pressing concern. In summary, the drought conditions in Zambia and Zimbabwe have ignited a coal power expansion campaign that, while intended to address immediate energy shortages, may lead to longer-term environmental degradation. The pushback against further fossil fuel projects highlights the critical need for change in energy policies and strategies towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources suitable for the region's climatic challenges.