The Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme (BGHES) will significantly supply electricity to
Zambia and Zimbabwe and distribute power to southern African countries under the Southern
African Power Pool (SAPP) when complete.
Speaking during a public hearing at Hwange DDC boardroom, the senior Manager Zambezi
River Authority Afito Kwendenda said: “Zambezi River has a vast hydropower energy potential.
Hydropower is considered the most feasible and reasonable electrification option for both
countries.”
The BGHES project will also benefit the surrounding communities through job creation.
“Local communities are hopeful that the Project will provide employment and procurement
opportunities, and many stakeholders have welcomed the project,” he said.
“More than 8 000 people should get employment in various fields such as in rafting and between
250-300 employed as river guides and drivers. All the employees should come from the local
communities,” said Kwendenda.
The project is being undertaken by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) an entity equally owned
by the Zambia and Zimbabwe governments
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Zambia and Zimbabwe in 2012 and the
project is expected to be completed in 2026.
The electricity generated at the Batoka Gorge hydroelectric power station will be transmitted to
Zambia through one double-circuit and one single-circuit 330kV overhead transmission lines,
and to Zimbabwe through one double-circuit and one-single circuit 400kV overhead
transmission lines.
The 330kV double-circuit transmission line for Zambia will run 55km from the Batoka North
Bank power plant to connect the Zambia Electricity Supply Company’s (ZESCO) new substation
at Livingstone, whereas the single-circuit transmission line will stretch 170km power plant to the
Muzuma substation in Choma.
Electricity from the Batoka South Bank power plant will be transmitted to Zimbabwe via a
70km-long 400kV single-circuit transmission line connecting the Hwange substation, and a
400km-long double-circuit transmission line connecting the Chakari substation.
Upon grid connection, the Batoka Gorge hydroelectric facility will strengthen the Southern
African Power Pool (SAPP), while providing reliable clean power supply at a competitive cost to
both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
