20 October 1988
New electricity power consultants have told the Government that the extension to Kariba South Power Station should be the first project initiated in the expansion of Zimbabwe’s electricity generating capacity.
The Electric Power Development Company of Japan, a semi-governmental power utility, was invited by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Development, to review the system development plan for Zimbabwe.
The Japanese company agreed with a previous study by Zimbabwean, American and Commonwealth consultants that the country would in time need Kariba South extension, the seventh and eighth generators at Hwange, the proposed Grass Roots thermal station, Batoka George hydro-electric scheme and the rehabilitation of the old thermal units.
However, they recommended a different order. At a briefing yesterday the consultants said Kariba South extension, which would be capable of generating 300MW (million watts) should be constructed and commissioned by 1993.
It was cheaper and had less investment risk than any other option and fitted well into the existing power system. This scheme would cost $234 million.
They also suggested that the planned two large generators, capable under present generating could also be commissioned by 1993.
Lessons for Today
- Kariba South extension added two 150MW generating units to the Kariba South hydropower station on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.
- The expansion increased the station’s capacity from 750MW to 1 050 MW, helping improve electricity availability.
