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Sharon Munjenjema
GOVERNMENT has finalised the Hwange Power Station extension deal with Chinese firm, Syno Hydro, as project funds are set to be released next month.
The expansion of units 7 and 8 is expected to add 600 megawatts (MW) to the power station’s total electricity generation capacity of 920 MW, pushing its installed capacity to 1 520 MW.
Energy and Power Development Secretary, Mr Peterson Mbiriri said the China Export-Import Bank will avail the funds by June to kick start the project which was signed in 2015 but had been delayed due to funding issues.
“That’s a done deal. We have met all the conditions and now await the first draw down. Sino Hydro is already on the ground.
“From time to time, we read reports that the mega deal is coming to naught but that’s not the case. lt’s going to happen,” he said.
Mr Mbiriri said the Hwange Power Station expansion will go a long way in ensuring power security.
“I think it’s important that we have Hwange 7 and 8 because that will strengthen our base load. Hydro is fickle in the sense that if we are going through a drought year, we are affected and produce less power than anticipated,” he said.
The Hwange Power Station expansion program follows the commissioning of two units at Kariba Power Station early this year as Government strives to narrow the power deficit.
Each of the two Kariba plant units are contributing 150 MW to the national grid.
While ZESA still imports power from regional utilities such as Eskom of South Africa, Mr Mbiriri said power shortages will soon be a thing of the past.
Zimbabwe produces 1 000 MW against a demand of 1 400 MW, forcing the importation of 400 MW.
Online Reporter