Hydropower production at Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant (HCB) has dropped to 10.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) as a result of the extreme drought affecting the Zambezi River basin since late 2023. According to Tomás Matola, HCB’s Chairman and CEO, “This is the most severe drought in the last 40 years. Since its construction between 1969 and June 1, 1974, HCB has never faced a situation like this.”
The statement was made during the International Conference marking HCB’s 50th anniversary, held this Wednesday (21st) in Maputo, under the theme “Yesterday, Today, and the Future – A Strategic Company.”
The drought, caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon, has significantly impacted the company’s power generation capacity. Matola stressed:
“This is not a matter of water mismanagement but rather a natural phenomenon beyond our control.”
Despite the sharp drop in output, HCB continues to supply minimum energy levels to its key clients: South Africa, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The decision to reduce production was based on scientific modelling to ensure the dam’s sustainability through to the next rainy season.
“Models show that with reduced production, we can keep operations running until the start of the next rainy season without compromising the safety of the dam,” Matola explained.
He added that the reservoir’s storage level could fall to as low as 20% without jeopardizing operations.
Matola highlighted that advanced technology is used for informed decision-making:
“We don’t work with guesswork. We use scientific models and state-of-the-art equipment that guide us on what needs to be done at each moment.”
Production data is measured and published daily, ensuring transparency in water resource management.
In 2023, production was reduced in the second half of the year, allowing HCB to close the year with a total output of 15,000 GWh and restore storage levels to 36%. Currently, that level has reached 85%, offering some operational buffer, even at reduced output.
Recognized by the Tax Authority as the top taxpayer in 2024, HCB also maintains strong corporate social responsibility programs in education, health, sports, culture, and infrastructure.
“HCB is a major financial instrument for investment,” emphasized Matola.
Looking ahead, the company plans to diversify and expand its power generation capacity. Its 2025–2034 strategic plan aims to reach an installed capacity of 4,000 megawatts (MW) through investments in renewable energy sources, including solar (photovoltaic), wind, and thermal power.
“We want to make HCB one of the largest energy producers in Africa,” Matola concluded.
Text: Florença Nhabinde
