Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE’S private sector is intensifying efforts to boost energy self-sufficiency through the establishment of its own electricity-generating plants, a move that is expected to ease pressure on the national grid while enhancing industrial productivity.
According to notices issued by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), several private companies have applied for licences to construct, operate and maintain power generation facilities across the country — a clear sign of growing investment in energy resilience within the business sector.
“Notice is hereby issued in terms of Section 4(3) of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations, 2008, published in Statutory Instrument 103 of 2008, that the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has received an application from Dinson Colliery (Private) Limited to construct, own, operate and maintain a 10 MW gas-fired power plant at Mpongola Village, Hwange District, in Matabeleland North Province,” reads part of the notice.
The 10 MW gas-fired power plant will generate electricity for Dinson Colliery’s own consumption, further strengthening the company’s operational efficiency in the energy-intensive mining sector.
“The project will be connected to the grid through the construction of a 0.7 km 33 kV 100 mm² ACSR line from Dinson Colliery Power Plant to the Kamativi 33 kV line, as well as the construction of two 33 kV feeder bays at Dinson Colliery Power Plant.”
The licence application by Dinson Colliery was lodged in line with the provisions of Sections 42 and 46 of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19).
Meanwhile, ZERA has also received an application from Almid Private Limited to construct, own and maintain a 20 MW solar photovoltaic plant in Gweru, adding to the growing list of renewable energy investments by private players.
Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited has similarly applied to construct, own, operate and maintain a 0.25 MW solar photovoltaic plant in Harare, reflecting the financial sector’s growing interest in sustainable and independent power solutions.
In Mashonaland East Province, Dombo Energy Private Limited has submitted an application to develop a 70 MW coal-fired power plant in Goromonzi.
“All the power generated from the power plant will be consumed by Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (Private) Limited and Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe (Private) Limited. The project will not be connected to the grid,” reads the notice.
The surge in private-sector-led power projects demonstrates growing confidence in the regulatory environment and aligns with national energy diversification goals.
ZERA continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating private investment in energy infrastructure, which complements Government’s broader efforts to ensure reliable and sustainable power supply under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
As more companies move to generate power for their own use, Zimbabwe’s energy landscape is gradually transforming — easing grid dependency, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and propelling the nation closer to its Vision 2030 target of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
