Zimbabwe

Index rank 72

Energy Sustainability Index Rankings

 2012  Trend
Energy Performance  58 
Energy Security  4 
Social Equity  94 
Environmental Impact Mitigation  71 
     
Contextual Performance  93 
Political Strength  92 
Societal Strength  92 
Economic Strength  90 
     
Overall Rank  72 
Download CSV

Fossil Fuel Resources

  Loading graph...

Key Metrics

Industrial sector (% of GDP) 24.6
TPEP / TPEC  (net energy importer) 0.74
Emission intensity (kg CO2 per USD) 5.94
Energy affordability (USD per kWh) n.a.
GDP / capita (PPP, USD); GDP Group 436 (D)
Energy intensity (million BTU per USD) 0.09
CO2 emissions (metric tons) / capita) 2.03
Population Access to Electricity (%) 41.5
Download CSV

Index Commentary

Zimbabwe’s environmental performance is weak due to a low quality of air and water, high emissions intensity per capita and high CO2 emissions from heat and electricity generation. Zimbabwe thus underperforms in mitigating its environmental footprint for countries with a similar level of energy intensity per capita. Zimbabwe’s ranking in energy security is driven by a good ratio of production to total energy supply, a well-diversified electricity production and a very high wholesale margin on gasoline. However, the expansion of energy consumption necessary for Zimbabwe’s economic and social development remains a challenge as we observe a negative 5 year energy consumption growth trend, even though only 49% of its population has access to electricity. Performance across all indicators in the contextual dimensions and social equity is very weak.

Trends and Outlook

Over the past few years Zimbabwe has made continued efforts to improve its energy security, energy access and environmental footprint. Policy developments include: 1) establishment of an independent energy regulator who regulates and supervises the entire energy sector; 2) amendment of the Electricity Act to promote energy efficiency within the public utility; 3) adoption of biofuels and incentives to promote uptake with a minimum target of 20% by 2015; 4) promotion of public private partnerships to spur development in the petroleum and power sector; 5) adoption of a long-term, government-driven renewable energy technologies programme, which encourages independent power producers and public private partnerships to develop renewable energy technologies in Zimbabwe; 6) establishment of comprehensive household energy plan addressing issues related to shortages, inefficient use of biomass and affordability of modern energy services; and 7) establishment and adoption of energy efficiency programmes. Going forward policymakers should focus to include: 1) increase the use of renewable energy, including, biofuels and the use of solar power, by developing appropriate incentives; 2) improve energy efficiency and decrease the high electricity losses (currently more than 30% of our power is lost through inefficiency and obsolete equipment); and 3) develop mechanisms to increase power generation capacity.