Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube in Hwange
CROWDS and delegates have started arriving at the site of the ground-breaking ceremony for the 720MW thermal power plant to be led by President Mnangagwa in Hwange this morning.
The project is being spearheaded by Titan New Energy which plans a 720MW thermal and 200MW solar plant as part of new energy projects in response to National Development Strategy (NDS1) and Vision 2030.
The project is in partnership with Zesa Holdings and is located in Hwange, Tutu area.
Titan New Energy plans to invest approximately US$1 billion in establishing a 720MW Waste-To-Energy Power Plant and a 200MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe.
It is scheduled for full construction completion and commercial operation by the end of 2028, with an annual output of 5.76GKWh, according to the project overview.
This comes as today’s world’s global energy landscape is constantly evolving and the African continent is facing significant power challenges.
Throughout Africa, electricity shortages cast a dark cloud, creating a bottleneck that limits development.
Zimbabwe, endowed with abundant natural and mineral resources, offers an exceptional opportunity for innovative energy solutions, especially in renewable energy.
The project is scheduled for full construction completion and commercial operation by the end of 2028, with an expected annual power output of 5.76 GWh.
This project will deliver substantial benefits to Zimbabwe, particularly in four main areas namely Reliable Power Supply and Job Creation.
The project will provide a stable power source, significantly reducing power shortages and creating numerous employment opportunities. It also offers
Zimbabwe has the potential to transition from an electricity importer to an electricity exporter.
Secondly, the project observes environmental Impact with appreciation of the Waste-To-Energy Power Plant which contributes to local environmental sustainability, achieving zero emissions through fully reusing waste residues and wastewater, thus mitigating pollution.
Thirdly this is a green energy solution as the solar power plant will increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix, supporting the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
Lastly, there is the cost-effective and clean power factor. By maintaining strict cost controls during construction, the project will ensure the delivery of reliable, affordable, and clean energy to Zimbabwe.
There will be construction of transmission Infrastructure and step-up substation and the transmission line from the step-up substation to the external grid substation.
Titan New Energy and ZESA Holdings have established a Memorandum of Understanding which among other things guides the development and construction of a 720MW integrated Thermal Power Plant in Hwange, the development and construction of a 200MW Solar Power Plant in Gweru, the establishment of a joint working group which will work closely in liaising with relevant regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations in development of projects, the parties will also cooperate in the sharing of technical project information, project connectivity and modalities to ensure project satisfies requisite technical requirements.
Anticipated community benefits include job creation for local residents, boosting the local economy and improving quality of life for locals, increased economic activity from the power station, Energy Security, new community investments, skills development and training programmes for local workers.
The project is expected to commence this month and end in December 2028.
Online Reporter