Energy in Zimbabwe

Energy in Zimbabwe is a serious problem for the country. Extensive use of firewood leads to deforestation and the electricity production capacity is too low for the current level of consumption.

Zimbabwe has one hydropower plant and four coal-fired generators that produce a total combined capacity of 2,240 megawatts (MW). Only 79.9% of the population have access to electricity.

Greenhouse gas emissions from Zimbabwe’s energy sector come from combustion of carbon-based fuels as well as fugitive emissions during coal mining processes. As part of Zimbabwe’s national climate change response policy, the country vowed to promote energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and develop low-carbon energy infrastructure. Although a tax the Zimbabwean government calls carbon tax exists, it only taxes certain imported fuels and more closely resembles a tariff or fuel tax.