Electricity is the second most important energy source after woodfuel contributing 10% to the national energy supply. The country’s hydropower resource potential stands at an estimated 6,000 Mega Watts (MW) while the installed capacity is a mere 1,786 MW as indicated below.

Current installed Electricity Generation Capacity

1. Kafue Gorge 900 Hydro
2. Kariba North Bank 600 Hydro
3. Victoria Falls 108 Hydro
4. Lunsemfwa & Mulungushi 38 Hydro
5. Small Hydros 24 Hydro
6. Isolated Generation 10 Diesel
7. Gas Turbine (stand by) 80 Gas

Total installed capacity 1,760

Hydroelectric plants represent 99 percent of electricity production in the country with the major sources being Kafue Gorge, Kariba North Bank and Victoria Falls Power Stations. With a projected electricity demand growth estimated at 100 MW per annum, the country is expected to experience a power deficit by 2008. The country’s electricity is predominately consumed by the mines whilst only 22% of the population have access to electricity leaving the majority to depend on woodfuel for their household energy needs.