adminThis sets in motion the process that will add another 900 megawatts to the national grid as the power utility intensifies its bid to match the national peak demand of 2 200 MW. Kariba and Hwange power stations have a capacity of 1 300 MW.
The expansion of Kariba will add 300 MW, while Hwange will add another 600 MW, taking the national capacity to 2 200 MW. Zimbabwe Power Company managing director, Engineer Noah Gwariro, said last week that the power company was already at the adjudication stage after the tenders closed on June 5 and July 3 for Kariba and Hwange projects respectively.
“Three companies responded for the Hwange expansion, while one responded for Kariba,” Eng Gwariro said. “We are already at the adjudication stage that should take about two months.”
Sino Hydro Corporation Ltd tendered for Kariba and Hwange expansion. The other two companies that tendered for Hwange are China Gezhouba Group Company Ltd and China Machinery Equipment Corporation.
The winning bidders for the two projects are expected to start construction early next year and the projects will take about four years.
Engineer Gwariro said some of the firms that had been shortlisted requested more time, a situation that resulted in them failing to beat the tender deadline.
He said the power utility was negotiating with big mining companies and industry to sign long term purchase agreements for electricity.
Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma said if the four companies fail to meet the required specifications, the power utility would consider private engagement. He said one of the key things for the power utility was to find the money to fund the projects.
“The adjudication process is going to determine if the bidders are going to provide the funds for the project, but I am sure the four that have responded have the financial capacity as well,” Minister Mangoma said.
He attributed the low uptake of the Kariba South tender to the State Procurement Board.
“The SPB confused some companies that would have wanted to bid for Kariba because they extended and un-extended the tender deadline over a short period. They (SPB) had announced that the tender had been extended to July 3 but changed saying the extension was only going to be for Hwange power station. This threw away a lot of bidders,” Minister Mangoma said.
He said a team from Zesa was going to visit the four Chinese firms soon as part of the due diligence process.
ZPC, Eng Gwariro said, was going to engage local and regional financial institutions to fund the two projects.
He said the ZPC was going to re-power some of the power stations to increase their capacity.
Bulawayo Power Station that is producing 30 MW will be re-powered to 120 MW, while the Harare one will be re-powered to 60MW.
Munyati’s generation capacity will be increased to 100 MW.
Online Reporter