Zambia Electricity: Generation Mix, Demand and Emissions
Zambia generated 19.7 TWh of electricity in 2024, according to Ember. Hydro was the largest source at 86.2%, followed by coal (10.8%) and other fossil (1.7%). Demand was 16.6 TWh and each kWh generated emitted 126 gCO2/kWh. These are annual statistics for 2024; they are compiled from national sources and are not real time.
Key Facts
- Zambia generated 19.7 TWh of electricity in 2024.
- Hydro supplied 86.2% of Zambia's electricity in 2024.
- Coal supplied 10.8% of Zambia's electricity in 2024.
- Other fossil supplied 1.7% of Zambia's electricity in 2024.
- Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 87.5% of Zambia's generation in 2024.
- The carbon intensity of Zambia's electricity was 126 gCO2/kWh in 2024.
- Zambia's carbon intensity in 2024 was 359% higher than in 2000, when it was 27 gCO2/kWh.
- Zambia had the 90th highest electricity demand among the 197 countries with Ember data for 2024.
Key Figures, 2024
| Measure | Value | As of / source |
|---|---|---|
| Total generation | 19.7 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Electricity demand | 16.6 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand per person | 0.78 MWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Net imports | -3.12 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Carbon intensity | 126 gCO2/kWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Power sector emissions | 2.48 MtCO2 | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand rank (countries with 2024 data) | 90 of 197 | 2024 · Ember |
Generation Mix, 2024
| Source | Generation | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro | 17.0 TWh | 86.2% |
| Coal | 2.13 TWh | 10.8% |
| Other fossil | 340 GWh | 1.7% |
| Solar | 170 GWh | 0.9% |
| Bioenergy | 80.0 GWh | 0.4% |
Year by Year
Ember annual statistics, 2000 to 2024| Year | Hydro | Coal | Other fossil | Solar | Bioenergy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 7.67 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 30.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2001 | 7.89 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 40.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2002 | 8.10 TWh | 20.0 GWh | 40.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2003 | 8.26 TWh | 20.0 GWh | 40.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2004 | 8.46 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 40.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2005 | 8.88 TWh | 20.0 GWh | 40.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2006 | 9.67 TWh | 0 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2007 | 9.63 TWh | 0 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2008 | 9.52 TWh | 0 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2009 | 9.88 TWh | 0 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2010 | 10.4 TWh | 0 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2011 | 11.5 TWh | 0 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2012 | 12.4 TWh | 0 TWh | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2013 | 13.3 TWh | 0 TWh | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2014 | 14.0 TWh | 0 TWh | 410 GWh | 0 TWh | 70.0 GWh |
| 2015 | 13.0 TWh | 0 TWh | 400 GWh | 0 TWh | 70.0 GWh |
| 2016 | 11.0 TWh | 330 GWh | 340 GWh | 0 TWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2017 | 12.5 TWh | 1.28 TWh | 710 GWh | 0 TWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2018 | 13.7 TWh | 2.04 TWh | 460 GWh | 0 TWh | 70.0 GWh |
| 2019 | 12.3 TWh | 1.67 TWh | 600 GWh | 120 GWh | 70.0 GWh |
| 2020 | 12.8 TWh | 1.89 TWh | 320 GWh | 150 GWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2021 | 16.1 TWh | 1.30 TWh | 120 GWh | 150 GWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2022 | 17.1 TWh | 2.16 TWh | 0 TWh | 140 GWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2023 | 17.1 TWh | 2.13 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 150 GWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2024 | 17.0 TWh | 2.13 TWh | 340 GWh | 170 GWh | 80.0 GWh |
| Year | Generation | Demand | Carbon intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 19.7 TWh | 16.6 TWh | 126 gCO2/kWh |
| 2023 | 19.5 TWh | 16.1 TWh | 116 gCO2/kWh |
| 2022 | 19.5 TWh | 16.4 TWh | 117 gCO2/kWh |
| 2021 | 17.7 TWh | 15.6 TWh | 90 gCO2/kWh |
| 2020 | 15.2 TWh | 14.0 TWh | 142 gCO2/kWh |
| 2019 | 14.8 TWh | 14.0 TWh | 145 gCO2/kWh |
| 2018 | 16.3 TWh | 15.2 TWh | 147 gCO2/kWh |
| 2017 | 14.6 TWh | 14.3 TWh | 129 gCO2/kWh |
| 2016 | 11.8 TWh | 13.2 TWh | 67 gCO2/kWh |
| 2015 | 13.5 TWh | 13.1 TWh | 44 gCO2/kWh |
Full year by year history for Zambia, 2000 to 2024
Source: Ember (ember-energy.org), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Data as of 2024.
Zambia Electricity FAQ
What is the main source of electricity in Zambia?
Hydro was the largest source of electricity in Zambia in 2024, supplying 86.2% of generation, followed by coal (10.8%) and other fossil (1.7%). Figures are Ember annual statistics.
How much electricity does Zambia use?
Zambia used 16.6 TWh of electricity in 2024, about 0.78 MWh per person.
How clean is Zambia's electricity?
Generating a kilowatt hour of electricity in Zambia emitted 126 gCO2/kWh in 2024, and low carbon sources supplied 87.5% of generation. That is 73% below the world average of 472 gCO2/kWh.
Does Zambia import electricity?
No. Zambia was a net exporter in 2024, exporting 3.12 TWh more than it imported.