Name and Location
Batoka gorge hydropower project, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Client
Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which comprises the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation and the ministries of energy from both countries.

Project Description
The proposed project involves the construction of a hydroelectric scheme on the Zambezi river, across the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The power station will have an installed capacity of 1 600 MW and includes a 181-m-high roller-compacted concrete cavity arch dam, a radial-gated crest-type spillway and two underground power stations on the north and south banks of the river, each with four 200 MW vertical-shaft Francis turbine generators.

The project is designed as a run-of-river scheme, with an estimated average energy generation of 8 700 GWh/y.

Value
$4-billion.

Duration
The project will take at least seven years to complete.

Latest Developments
The Zimbabwe government says work on the construction of the Batoka gorge hydroelectric scheme, on the Zambezi river, will mostly likely begin at the end of 2014, following the conclusion of feasibility studies and project designs.

Zambezi River Authority spokesperson Elizabeth Kanonga says the authority has invited bids for the construction of the dam.

Zimbabwe has completed the construction of a new road that links the site to the nearby tourist resort of Victoria Falls and is waiting for Zambia to complete its own preparations for the resumption of site works.

The Batoka dam will be located upstream of Lake Kariba and will stretch for 54 km. According to feasibility studies, each of the two countries will get 800 MW of electricty when the station starts generating power after 2021.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
The project has been delayed for years, owing to a diplomatic dispute between Zambia and Zimbabwe over payments that Zimbabwe owed to Zambia, related to projects implemented when Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malalwi comprised a federation that ended in 1963.

Contact Details for Project Information
ZRA, tel +260 1 228 401, fax +260 1 227 498 or email munodawafa@zaraho.org.zm.