City of Bulawayo eyes hydrogen-powered future in landmark green energy pilot

BULAWAYO is poised to become a pioneer in hydrogen-powered municipal services in Zimbabwe and the Sadc region following a ground breaking proposal by Randu Industrial to roll out a Green Municipal Transformation Pilot at the Aisleby Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The initiative signals a major shift in how the city could power critical infrastructure, manage waste and water treatment, and decarbonise its municipal fleet, while unlocking new revenue streams through carbon markets.

If implemented, the project would place Bulawayo at the forefront of integrating hydrogen, biogas and smart technologies into urban service delivery — a model that could be replicated across the region.

At the heart of the proposal is the conversion of wastewater by-products into clean electricity and hydrogen, turning what has traditionally been an environmental management challenge into a strategic energy asset.

On December 8, 2025, the City of Bulawayo received a proposal from Randu Industrial for approval to implement a Climate Adaptation pilot — Green Municipal Transformation through Carbonate Fuel Cell Technology and Hydrogen Ecosystem Development at Aiselby Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Randu Industrial had responded to the Climate Adaptation Call for Proposals issued by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).

“The project will be developed for the City of Bulawayo’s Aisleby Wastewater Treatment Plant in conjunction with the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), whose involvement provides a strategic, high-impact role in ensuring the success, credibility, and long-term sustainability of the initiative through research for development.

“This Climate Adaptation Project focuses on the generation of Green Electricity and Hydrogen from Biogas as the primary functions with clean water and heat as by-products and oxygen released to the atmosphere,” reads part of the council February report.

Under the pilot project, wastewater treatment would be upgraded to align with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) standards, incorporating Artificial Intelligence-driven systems for predictive maintenance, efficiency optimisation and smart monitoring.

“To enable implementation of the Pilot, Randu needs access to sections of Aiselby Wastewater Treatment Plant and collaborative input from dedicated technical staff from Bulawayo City Council which will be anchored on the following pillars.

“Upgrading wastewater treatment facilities to world-class standards, consistent with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) principles and AI-enabled technologies for predictive maintenance, efficiency optimisation, and smart monitoring.

“Deployment of advanced digesters to maximise biogas recovery, ensuring a reliable feedstock for fuel cell operations, hydrogen production and electricity generation.

“Infrastructure Rehabilitation — Installation of systems to capture and treat nitrates and phosphates, preventing eutrophication in Umguza Lake and downstream waters. This will directly address the spread of hyacinth weed, restore biodiversity, and protect community livelihoods.”

Biogas and hydrogen generated at the plant would then be converted into electricity to power plant operations and broader municipal services.

“Converting biogas and generated hydrogen into electricity to power plant operations and municipal services. Introducing hydrogen-powered refuse collection trucks and transitioning the city’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles.

“Hydrogen will be compressed and stored on site to fuel these vehicles.”

The proposal also stretches beyond the plant itself to city-wide mobility and energy systems.

“Establishing digital infrastructure and launching a hydrogen-powered mass public transport system.
“Constructing a solar farm and electrolysis plant to ensure consistent green hydrogen generation and supply, especially during low wastewater inflows.

“Hydrogen will be compressed, stored and distributed via refuelling stations.”
Beyond energy, the project directly targets long-standing environmental concerns, particularly nutrient pollution affecting water bodies.

The project is also expected to deliver measurable and long-term benefits.

They include reduced electricity and fuel expenses through on-site clean energy generation.
Measurable and long-term benefits are also envisaged ranging from reduced electricity and fuel expenses through on-site clean energy generation.

There is also an element of Carbon Credits Revenue.

“Monetisation of emission reductions through carbon credits trading. Positioning Bulawayo as a pioneer in hydrogen-powered municipal services in Zimbabwe and the Sadc region.”

Economically, the initiative could catalyse a new green industrial ecosystem in Bulawayo.
“Quality jobs creation in renewable energy, hydrogen logistics ecosystem, and smart infrastructure. Diversified sources (wastewater + solar + electrolysis) ensure reliability in power.”

By combining wastewater-derived biogas, solar power and electrolysis, the system is designed to provide a more reliable and diversified energy base for municipal operations, reducing dependence on conventional grid supply and fossil fuels.

The project also dovetails with Bulawayo’s ambition to evolve into a smart city driven by innovation, digital systems and sustainable infrastructure.

“In light of the nature of the project and its alignment with the city’s goal to transform into a smart city, it was recommended that Randu Industrial be granted provisional approval for the pilot upon which the grant would be reviewed after submission of a report to be submitted by Randu,” reads the report.
Council, however, has tied the provisional approval to strict conditions to safeguard public interests and ensure technical and financial clarity.

For instance, Randu is given access to Aisleby to assess the requirements for the pilot factoring the current state of the infrastructure thereafter.

It notes that after the access and assessment, Randu should compile a detailed report inclusive of any required changes and possible modifications for the pilot for analysis, review and further consideration by Council and implications thereof.

“Randu commits to funding the required preparations and readying of the plant for the pilot after entailing at what cost and budget. Randu also captures the need for capacity building for BCC staff to run the plant after the pilot,” reads the report.

Terms of reference and conditions governing the pilot and any future collaboration will be crafted with input from the council’s legal section.

“That Randu is made aware and allows council to process closure on previous contract at the plant which ran out of funding in 2017.”

Energy and climate experts have welcomed the proposal, saying it places Bulawayo on a progressive and globally relevant development path.

Renewable energy specialist Ms Belinda Makopa said integrating hydrogen and biogas into municipal services was a “strategic and timely intervention” for cities facing rising energy costs and climate pressures.

“Wastewater treatment plants are increasingly being recognised worldwide as untapped energy hubs, and what Bulawayo is proposing aligns with best international practice,” said Ms Makopa.

“By converting biogas into electricity and green hydrogen, the city is not only reducing emissions but also improving operational resilience and long-term cost efficiency.”

She added that the project’s emphasis on research, smart technologies and local skills development strengthened its sustainability.

“The involvement of Nust ensures that innovation, data-driven decision-making and capacity building are embedded in the project, which is critical if this model is to be scaled nationally and across the Sadc region.”

If successfully executed, the Aisleby pilot could redefine how Bulawayo and potentially other cities in the region view wastewater plants not merely as sanitation infrastructure, but as hubs of clean energy, climate resilience and green economic growth.