World Power Plants

Itezhi- Tezhi120 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Itezhi-Tezhi is a 120 MW hydroelectric power plant located in Zambia, operated by ZESCO since its commissioning in 1978. This facility generates electricity using hydro power, contributing to Zambia's renewable energy capacity. It is the 3rd largest hydro plant in Zambia. With 120 MW, it represents 5.56% of the country's total hydro capacity of 2,160 MW. Zambia has 5 hydro plants with a combined capacity of 2,160 MW. Compared to the country's largest hydro plant, Kafue Gorge at 990 MW, this facility is approximately 12% the size. Hydro power is a significant component of Zambia's energy mix, accounting for about 80% of the country's electricity generation. The Itezhi-Tezhi plant utilizes the water flow from the Kafue River, which is essential for sustaining the country’s energy needs. It is situated approximately 300 km southwest of Lusaka in the Central Province.

Capacity
120 MW
Commissioning Year
1978

48 years old

Owner
ZESCO
Location
-15.7688°, 26.0203°

Zambia, Africa

Context & rankings
  • 4. largest of 15 plants in Zambia
  • #9,242 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,039 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 4.46% of the installed capacity of Zambia
Age & fleet comparison

48 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

ZESCO operates 12 plants totalling 2,330 MW

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -15.768800, 26.020300
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Itezhi- Tezhi is a hydro power plant producing approximately 420 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Zambia
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ZambiaEnergy Profile

15
Total Plants
2.7 GW
Total Capacity
HydroCoalOilSolar
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