Call to revamp thermal power stations

Minister Hubert Nyanhongo said the Government should replace the equipment at the thermal stations as it was constantly breaking down and its production capacity had been reduced.
“Thermal power stations have become expensive to operate especially taking into account the frequent technical faults and the low output.
“The equipment is a bit aged and revamping the whole plant will reduce operational costs,” he said.
Mr Nyanhongo said the old plants were producing 25MW against a potential of 50MW each. “The 25MW do not tally with the resources required to keep the stations running. Coal is bought and transported which means the expenses are far much higher to produce 25 MW,” he said.
The Hwange Thermal Power Station is the biggest power plant in Zimbabwe with an installed capacity of 920 MW.
However, technical problems, parts replacement and regular upgrading make the plant prone to frequent production stops.
The Government recently shortlisted 11 bidders for the expansion of Hwange and Kariba South power plants, with a winner expected to be announced in the third quarter of this year.
Extension of the Hwange Thermal Power Station will add 600MW to the Zimbabwean national grid, while extension of the Kariba South hydro plant will add 300MW.
Mozambique recently reduced power exports to Zimbabwe to a mere 25MW to push for the settlement of a US$78 million debt.
Zimbabwe needs about 2 200MW of electricity at peak but generates just 1 300MW with the remainder being imported. — New Ziana.