# Cahora Bassa hydroelectric water management

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cahora-bassa-hydroelectric-water-management
> Updated: 2026-09-29T03:15:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) has reported a recovery in water resources and power production following a two-year drought. During the first half of 2026, the company generated 6,399.03 gigawatt-hours, a 13% increase from the previous year, while reservoir storage levels rose from a low of 20% in January to 56% by the end of June.

In September 2026, as part of an annual maintenance programme and following the shutdown of the Songo Substation, HCB scheduled the opening of a mid-depth spillway at 80% capacity. This controlled maneuver was intended to maintain Zambezi River flow and meet ecological water requirements while managing resources ahead of the rainy season.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa increases power output and reservoir levels

Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa increased power generation by 13% in H1 2026 while simultaneously recovering reservoir storage levels from a historic low to 56% following a severe drought.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hidroelctrica-de-cahora-bassa-increases-power-output-and-reservoir-levels

### 2026-09-17: Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa to open Zambezi spillway at 80% capacity

Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa will open a spillway at 80% capacity on 20 September to maintain the Zambezi River's ecological flow during maintenance and substation shutdowns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hidroelctrica-de-cahora-bassa-to-open-zambezi-spillway-at-80-capacity

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Cite as: Cahora Bassa hydroelectric water management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cahora-bassa-hydroelectric-water-management