New energy policy on cards

this week.
Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma said the policy would be launched next year.

“We are in the process of crafting an overall policy framework which will seek to resolve the problems the energy sector is facing. The new policy will be launched next year,” he said.
Among other things, the policy seeks to promote the use of alternative energy sources as well as encouraging public private partnerships.
With the economy now showing strong signs of recovery, power demand, particularly in the mining and manufacturing sector continues to grow, presenting government with a challenge to lure investors into the sector.

Zimbabwe’s total installed capacity amounts to 1 960MW while national demand is approximately 2 200MW.
At present generation capacity stands at about 1 200 megawatts.

To improve the power situation in the country, government is working on the rehabilitation and expansion of Hwange Thermal Power and Kariba South Hydro Power stations.
The Batoka gorge and Lupane gas projects are other projects also in the pipeline expected to offset the country’s power woes once implemented. – New Ziana.