Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Hwange Thermal Power Station Expansion Project has set a new power generation record, producing more than 498 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in a single month — delivering a major boost to the national grid and Zimbabwe’s economic prospects.
According to official statistics released and confirmed by Zesa Holdings, the newly commissioned Units 7 and 8 achieved a milestone in August, generating a staggering 498 million kWh — marking the highest monthly output since operations began in 2023. This represents a 2,5 percent increase month-on-month and a 5,1 percent rise year-on-year.
“Zimbabwe’s Hwange Power Station Expansion Project achieved a landmark in August, generating 498 million kWh in a single month — its highest since operations began in 2023. Cumulative output for the year has now reached 3,561 billion kWh, providing critical support to the national grid, easing Zimbabwe’s chronic electricity shortages, and bolstering the country’s economic growth,” reads the update.
In a recent interview with Zimpapers, Hwange Electricity Supply Company’s acting facility site manager, Engineer Ngonidzashe Dzumbira, confirmed that the new units are performing optimally and remain on track to meet their annual production targets.
“I am responsible for the operations and maintenance of the two units, Unit 7 and Unit 8. Each unit is designed to generate 335MW, giving us a combined total of 670MW. Currently, we have met our production targets for the year, and we anticipate that by December, we will have achieved our full-year goals,” said Engineer Dzumbira.
Engineer Dzumbira explained that the power generation process begins with coal supplied by two major local mines. The coal is pulverised and burned to produce high-pressure steam, which drives massive turbines spinning at approximately 3 000 revolutions per minute. The electricity generated is then fed directly into the national grid.
Beyond power output, the new units also represent a significant step forward in environmental responsibility. They are equipped with advanced emission-control technology, including a Flue Gas Desulphurisation plant that captures sulphur dioxide using limestone.
This process produces gypsum, a by-product sold to cement manufacturers and the agricultural sector.
Additionally, Low NOx burners have been installed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, ensuring full compliance with environmental standards.
The significance of the project to the nation cannot be overstated. Engineer Dzumbira highlighted its pivotal role in stabilising the country’s energy supply.
“In 2024, this facility produced 53 percent of Zimbabwe’s energy requirements. It helped bridge the gap caused by droughts and low water levels at Kariba,” he said.
This record-breaking output from Hwange marks a critical turning point, moving Zimbabwe away from reliance on power imports and towards a more secure, self-sufficient energy future — providing the stable electricity needed to drive industrial and economic growth.
