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
The cost of the project has been estimated at $2.5-billion; however, the actual cost will only be known after the feasibility has been completed.

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

Latest Developments
Plans for the Batoka Gorge power plant between Zambia and Zimbabwe have been expanded from 1 600 MW to 2 400 MW, according to an industry official.

A recent study showed that the Batoka Gorge power plant would produce more electricity than previously envisaged, according to Zambezi River Authority CE Munyaradzi Munodawafa.

The completion of the project is expected to ease an electricity shortage in the two countries and Southern Africa.

A feasibility study is almost complete and a report will be ready by May, after which an environmental-impact assessment (EIA) study will be done. The EIA is expected to be completed by June.

"After we have done that we will start looking for developers," says Munodawafa.

It is expected that the plant will be built and operated by a private company for a few years before ownership is transferred to the two States.

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.