GEOGRAPHY 2025 FIELD PROJECT
HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION AT KAFUE GORGE
POWER STATION IN CHIKANTA DISTRICT
NAME: MANNASSEH MAKASA
EXAM NUMBER: 200902120017
CENTER CODE : 9011
SCHOOL: DAVID KAUNDA NATIONAL STEM SCHOOL
CLASS: 12-4
TEACHER: MR MUSHIBA
YEAR: 2025
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 23 MAY,2O25
Acknowledgement
I would like to sincerely thank my Geography teacher Mr Mushiba for the
guidance and support throughout this project. I also would like to extend my
appreciation to the members of staff at Kafue Gorge Power Station for the
information provided during the field visit. Lastly I am grateful to all who
contributed to the success of this study.
Dedication
I dedicate this project to ALMIGHTY GOD for his guidance and strength throughout this
journey.
To my dear family, thank you for your love and support, constant encouragement. This work
is a reflection of your sacrifices and belief in me.
Declaration
I Mannasseh Makasa, declare that this Geography field project is as a result of my own
research and effort .Any resources of information used have been properly acknowledged.
This work has not been presented for assessment in any other academic context
students signature:
date: 24th APRIL,2O25
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Declaration
Table of contents
Introduction
Background
Location
Aim of the study
Objectives
Hypothesis
Methodology
Problems and Limitations
Literature and Review
Data presentation
Findings and Interpretations
Conclusion and Evaluations
Recommendations
Bibliography
Introduction
Hydroelectric power is a major source of renewable energy around the world, providing
clean electricity through the force of moving water. In Zambia, hydroelectricity plays a
crucial role in powering homes, industries, and services, contributing significantly to national
development .One of the country’s most important hydroelectric power stations is the
Kafue Gorge Power Station, located along the Kafue River.
This project explores how hydroelectric power is generated at Kafue Gorge and examines its
impact on both the environment and surrounding communities. With increasing demand for
sustainable energy and concerns over climate change, understanding how such power
stations operate is essential. This investigation also highlights the advantages and challenges
of relying on water based energy in Zambia.
Background
The Kafue Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station, commissioned in 1972, is a key source of
Zambia’s electricity, generating 900 MW to power homes, industries, and neighboring
countries through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Built on the Kafue River, the
station supports national development but also brings environmental and social challenges,
including ecosystem disruption and community displacement.
As climate change threatens water flow and energy security, Zambia is expanding the station
with the Kafue Gorge Lower Project and exploring alternative renewables. This study
examines the power station’s role, impact, and future in Zambia’s energy landscape
Location
The Kafue Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station is located on the Kafue River, approximately 120
kilometers south of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city. It lies within the Kafue Gorge, a deep valley that
provides a natural setting ideal for hydroelectric development. The station is situated near the town
of Chirundu, in the Southern Province, and draws water from the Kafue River Basin, one of the
country’s major water systems. Its strategic position allows for efficient electricity generation and
distribution across Zambia and into the wider Southern African region.
Aim of the study
The aim of this study is to investigate how hydroelectric power is generated at Kafue Gorge
Power Station and to assess its environmental and socio-economic impacts on the
surrounding area.
Hypothesis
Hydroelectric power generation at Kafue Gorge is an efficient and sustainable source of
energy that provides significant benefits to Zambia with minimal negative environmental
impact.
Methodology
To carry out this study, both primary and secondary data collection methods were used:
Observation: I observed the physical features and operations of the Kafue Gorge Power
Station during a field visit.
Photography: I took photos of key features such as the dam, turbines and surrounding
environment.
Map analysis: I studied maps to understand the location and layout of the power station
and river system.
Secondary research: I used information from books, the internet, and ZESCO
documents to learn more about how hydroelectric power works.
Interviews and Questionnaires: i spoke to a few ZESCO workers and residents to get
their views on the impact of the power station.
Internet research: Reliable websites such as ZESCO, Ministry of Energy and academic
portals were used to gather updated facts and statistics.
Literature review: Geography textbooks, newspapers and research papers were
reviewed to provide theoretical background and compare findings.
Problems and Limitations
1. Unreliable water source
o Electricity generation depends on river water flow, which drops during the dry
season, leading to power shortages.
2. High Construction and Maintenance Costs
o Building and maintaining the dam and equipment is expensive and requires
skilled labor and investment.
3. Environmental Concerns
o Dam construction affects the natural flow of the river, harming fish, plants,
and animal habitats.
4. Displacement of People
o Local communities were forced to move to make way for the dam and
reservoir, causing social and economic problems.
5. Siltation
o Soil and sand collect in the reservoir over time, reducing storage capacity and
affecting efficiency.
6. Heavy Dependence on One Source
o Zambia depends mainly on hydro power, so problems at Kafue Gorge can
cause nationwide blackouts.
7. Impact of Climate Change
o Changes in rainfall patterns and droughts due to climate change reduce water
availability for power generation.
8. Limited Room for Expansion
o Physical space and natural features limit how much more the power station
can grow.
Literature Review
Hydroelectric power is a cornerstone of Zambia’s energy infrastructure, with the Kafue
Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station serving as a key source of electricity generation.
Situated on the Kafue River, the station provides a significant portion of Zambia’s energy
supply. This literature review synthesizes existing research on the history, technical aspects,
environmental impacts, socio-economic contributions, policy framework, and regional energy
integration of the Kafue Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station, with a focus on its role in
Zambia’s energy strategy and the Southern African region.
1. Overview of Kafue Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station
The Kafue Gorge Power Station, commissioned in 1972, is a major hydropower plant
located on the Kafue River in Zambia. The station initially had an installed capacity of 900
MW, but has undergone several expansions and upgrades to meet growing electricity
demand. The development of the Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station, expected to add an
additional 750 MW, represents a key phase in Zambia’s efforts to enhance its energy
capacity (ZESCO Annual Report, 2020).
The Kafue Gorge Power Station operates by harnessing the flow of water from the Kafue
River. Water is stored in a reservoir and released through turbines to generate electricity.
Technological improvements over the years, including turbine upgrades, have helped increase
the station's operational efficiency (ZESCO and Ministry of Energy, 2017).
2. Environmental Impacts
The environmental impacts of the Kafue Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station are significant
and multifaceted. The creation of the reservoir has altered the natural flow of the Kafue
River, which has affected aquatic ecosystems, particularly fish migration patterns and
biodiversity. Furthermore, the build-up of sediment in the reservoir raises concerns about
water quality and long-term environmental sustainability (Zambian Environmental Impact
Report, 2014).
To address these impacts, mitigation strategies such as the installation of fish ladders and
water quality management programs have been implemented. Additionally, the impacts of
climate change on water availability are a growing concern. Studies suggest that changing
rainfall patterns could affect the hydropower potential of the station, potentially reducing its
power generation capacity in the future (Renewable Energy Studies, 2020).
3. Socio-Economic Contributions
The Kafue Gorge Power Station plays a critical role in Zambia’s socio-economic
development. It supports industrial sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture,
providing electricity for both residential and commercial use. The Zambian Economic
Review (2018) emphasizes that the plant is vital for Zambia’s industrial growth and
economic stability.
However, the dam’s construction led to the displacement of local communities, an issue that
has raised concerns about the social impacts of large-scale hydropower projects. The Journal
of African Social Development (2017) discusses the need for comprehensive resettlement
plans and better compensation mechanisms for those affected by such projects. The power
generated by Kafue Gorge also has benefits for rural electrification, improving living
standards in surrounding communities (African Development Bank, 2021).
4. Sustainability and Future Developments
The future sustainability of Kafue Gorge is closely tied to its expansion and the integration of
other renewable energy sources into Zambia’s energy mix. The ongoing development of the
Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station is expected to enhance Zambia’s electricity generation
capacity and ensure a stable energy supply for the future (Zambian National Energy Strategy,
2019).
However, challenges related to climate change and water scarcity could threaten the long-
term reliability of the station. The potential for reduced rainfall and fluctuating river flow
may impact hydroelectric power generation. Diversifying Zambia’s energy mix by
incorporating solar, wind, and thermal energy could provide a more resilient power grid
and reduce dependency on hydropower (International Journal of Renewable Energy, 2021).
5. Policy and Governance
The success of Kafue Gorge is closely linked to Zambia’s energy policies and governance
frameworks. The National Energy Policy of Zambia (2019) underscores the importance of
hydropower as a primary source of electricity generation. However, the implementation of
these policies has faced challenges, particularly concerning financial sustainability and the
management of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Governance issues such as transparency in energy contracts, funding mechanisms, and
equitable distribution of energy have been highlighted in reports such as the World Bank
Report on Energy Governance (2020). The Zambian government has also explored public-
private partnerships (PPPs) as a model to fund future energy projects, including expansions
at Kafue Gorge.
Moreover, policies to address the environmental and social impacts of hydropower projects
require rigorous Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA). While these
assessments are required by law, their implementation and enforcement need strengthening to
ensure that both environmental and community concerns are adequately addressed (Zambian
Environmental Management Agency, 2018).
6. Regional Power Cooperation
Kafue Gorge plays a critical role in regional power cooperation through the Southern
African Power Pool (SAPP). This initiative enables the sharing of electricity across
Southern Africa, with Kafue Gorge acting as a key supplier of electricity to neighboring
countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Southern
African Power Pool Report (2020) highlights the importance of Kafue Gorge in stabilizing
regional power supply and reducing electricity costs within the SAPP framework.
However, cross-border electricity trade also presents challenges related to pricing
agreements, energy infrastructure maintenance, and the regulation of energy markets. The
African Development Bank (2019) stresses the need for greater investment in infrastructure
and regulatory alignment between countries to ensure the sustainability of the energy trade.
Furthermore, Zambia’s reliance on hydroelectric power for regional energy sharing is
susceptible to the effects of climate variability and drought, making the need for diversified
energy sources even more pressing (Southern African Energy Review, 2020).
summary
The Kafue Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station remains a central pillar of Zambia’s energy
infrastructure, providing critical electricity to the country and the Southern African region.
While the station has brought significant socio-economic benefits, including industrial
growth and rural electrification, its operation presents ongoing environmental and social
challenges. The future of Kafue Gorge will depend on successful expansion projects,
effective governance, and the integration of alternative energy sources to ensure the
sustainability of Zambia’s power generation capacity amidst changing climatic condition.
Data presentation
In this section, I will present the data collected on hydroelectric power generation at Kafue Gorge
using various methods such as bar graphs, pie charts, tables, maps and photographs. These visuals
help to clearly show the brands, comparisons, and importance of hydroelectric power in Zambia.
