Every strong power system rests on a dependable foundation. As electrical engineers, we call this foundation baseload power — the continuous electricity supply that keeps hospitals running, industries producing, mines operating, water flowing and households connected around the clock.
Zimbabwe's journey towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy under Vision 2030 depends on reliable energy. While the country has rightly invested in solar, hydropower and thermal generation, one resource remains largely overlooked: geothermal energy.
Electricity is the heartbeat of every modern economy. Every additional megawatt supports manufacturing, agriculture, mining, healthcare, education and digital innovation. Reliable energy is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.
Beneath Zimbabwe's soil lies an opportunity that deserves far greater attention. Unlike solar and wind power, geothermal energy provides electricity day and night, regardless of weather conditions. It is one of the few renewable energy sources capable of delivering dependable baseload generation, making it an ideal complement to other renewable technologies.
A stable electricity grid requires more than installed capacity. It requires reliable generation to support voltage regulation, frequency control and overall system stability. While solar, wind and battery storage all have important roles, dependable baseload remains essential for a resilient power system.
Zimbabwe has identified promising geothermal manifestations, including hot springs and areas with elevated geothermal gradients. These should become the focus of detailed geological surveys, geophysical studies and exploratory drilling. Every major energy project begins with sound scientific investigation.
Kenya has demonstrated what is possible through sustained investment in geothermal development. Today, geothermal energy supplies a significant share of its electricity, strengthening energy security and industrial competitiveness. Zimbabwe can follow a similar path through consistent policy, investment and technical capacity building.
Diversifying Zimbabwe's energy mix is increasingly important as climate change affects hydropower output during droughts and places growing pressure on conventional thermal generation. Geothermal energy offers reliable, low-carbon electricity that strengthens resilience while reducing dependence on any single energy source.
Zimbabwe also has the human capital needed to develop this sector. Universities and technical colleges should expand research and training in geothermal engineering, drilling technology, reservoir management and power plant design, ensuring the country develops the expertise required to support future projects.
Geothermal energy also delivers environmental benefits. Properly managed reservoirs can provide reliable electricity for decades while producing significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fossil-fuel power stations.
Reliable electricity underpins every sector of the economy, from mining and agriculture to healthcare, manufacturing and digital infrastructure. Geothermal energy can help provide the dependable power needed to support long-term economic growth.
Developing this resource will require collaboration between government, private investors, development finance institutions, research organisations and international partners. Together, they can mobilise the investment, technology and expertise needed to unlock Zimbabwe's geothermal potential.
Zimbabwe has abundant natural resources and the engineering talent to transform them into lasting economic value. The country should act now by investing in exploration, building technical skills and planning for future generations rather than short-term needs.
The strongest economies are powered by reliable electricity. Geothermal energy offers Zimbabwe an opportunity to strengthen its energy security, support industrialisation and build a cleaner, more resilient power system.
The opportunity lies beneath our feet. It is time to unlock it.
- Edzai Kachirekwa is an energy expert, high voltage electrical engineer, infrastructure strategist and advocate for sustainable development in Africa.