LUSAKA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said on Tuesday that it is in talks with mining firms to introduce diesel-generated electricity as an alternative energy source to address the current power deficit.
Minister of Energy Peter Kapala said the government is aware of the continued reduction in water levels at key power plants and is putting in place measures to conserve the little water so that the country is not plunged into a power crisis.
"We are aware of the low level of usable water at Kariba Power Station and other power stations, and the need to conserve this water until the end of the year when we are expecting rains," he told the parliament in response to questions from lawmakers.
He said the government is aware that diesel-generated power will be expensive and is talking with mining firms about how the power could be generated and bought at an optimal tariff.
The minister also said the government has accelerated President Hakainde Hichilema's directive for all public institutions to start installing solar energy as another solution to the problem.
Zambia is experiencing a power deficit of 750 megawatts caused by low generation at its hydropower plants due to poor rains experienced during the 2023/2024 season. The state power utility has introduced a 12-hour daily blackout program. ■
