malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Government intends to increase power generation to minimise the shortfall that will arise when 600 megawatts (MW) are removed from the grid as Hwange Power Station’s Units 7 and 8 are taken offline in mid-November for Class C maintenance.
The maintenance, which is scheduled to last for a month, is a statutory procedure required after a defined period of operation.
It will also take place at a time when industries close for the festive season, thereby limiting demand.
Generation at the Kariba South Power Station has dropped to an average of 215MW due to low water levels.
Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo said there was sufficient water in Lake Kariba for power generation until the rainy season begins.
“The maintenance of the units is statutory and essential to ensure their longevity,” he said.
“We anticipate this exercise will be conducted around mid-November.
“While this will naturally affect power supplies, we have implemented mitigation measures, such as increasing Kariba’s production to 200MW or more.
“This period will coincide with the rainy season and the closure of industries for the festive season.”
Class C maintenance is a type of comprehensive overhaul and inspection that is typically performed after a certain period of operation.
Engineers will conduct a detailed inspection of all components of the power station — turbines, generators, boilers and other critical equipment.
The power station will be subjected to various tests to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently, while all necessary repairs or replacements are made to guarantee the unit’s continued operation.
Zimbabwe, said Minister Moyo, will continue importing electricity to augment current supplies, while also fully utilising Hwange Power Station Units 1 to 6.
“We are relying on Hwange Units 1-6 for power supplies and will continue to import electricity from neighbouring countries,” he said.
“There is enough water supply at Lake Kariba to last us until the next rainy season, so we have no plans to close it.
“When we take the two units off the grid, we will have these three options.”
Despite the depressed power generation at Kariba owing to the El Niño-induced drought, national power generation has been averaging 1 200MW daily.
The Government is also working on refurbishing Hwange’s Units 1-6 after securing a US$300 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of India.
Improved power generation will help Zimbabwe reduce electricity imports, ease power cuts and drive increased industrial production.
Meanwhile, power generation at Kariba is expected to significantly improve next year following the decision by the Zambezi River Authority to allocate the two power utilities in Zambia and Zimbabwe 27 billion cubic metres for 2025, up from 16 billion cubic metres this year, owing to the forecasted good rains.
The region is expected to receive normal to above-normal rains this year due to the La Niña weather phenomenon.
Online Reporter