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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23836, member: 2262"] Zimbabwe Seeks Energy Partners as Demand Surges. Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa announced plans to expand the country's energy partnerships amid rising power demands from infrastructure growth. Energy Minister July Moyo delivered the president's message at the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Tanzania on Thursday. The country faces power shortages due to drought impacts on Lake Kariba's hydroelectric output. Twenty African leaders gathered at the summit to address energy gaps and attract investment across the sector. "Climate change threatens our power supply," Moyo said, reading the president's speech. "Zimbabwe and Zambia need diverse energy sources after droughts cut hydroelectric production." Zimbabwe offers tax breaks and adjusted tariffs to draw private investors. The country aims for universal electricity access by 2030, up from the current 62 percent rate. This requires connecting 500,000 new households yearly, far above the present 30,000. The government plans to distribute 1.2 million solar systems in rural areas by 2030, funded mainly through local resources. Major projects like the Dinson Iron and Steel Plant have increased power demands. Zimbabwe's power needs could reach 5,600 MW by 2030, triple the current 1,900 MW demand. The country's aging plants and low water levels limit output to 1,300 MW despite 2,950 MW capacity. This forces reliance on imports from South Africa and Mozambique. The nation connects to neighbors through four power lines but lags in consumption. Zimbabweans use 500 kWh per person compared to South Africa's 3,000 kWh. "Consider those without power - students reading by candlelight, medical care in darkness, homes lacking clean water," Mnangagwa's statement said. "Many African nations face these challenges from limited electricity access." The president welcomed a World Bank-funded power line project between Zambia and Tanzania but stressed the need for real funding beyond declarations. He thanked the African Development Bank and World Bank for their support as Zimbabwe develops its next energy program. [/QUOTE]

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