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ZRA is a statutory body jointly owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The proposed plant, to be located about 54km downstream of the Victoria Falls, will produce 800MW.
“The scheme is designed as a run-of-the river scheme with an estimated average generation of 8 700GWh (Gigawatt hours) a year,” ZRA said, adding the project would include two underground power stations on each side of the river with four 200MW turbines.
The project will be on a Build, Operate and Transfer basis, the authority said.
ZRA said the project, to commence in 2013, was in line with its wide ranging mandate which includes ensuring effective and efficient use of waters and other resources shared between the two countries.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are facing massive power deficits affecting economic activity in the two countries.
Zambia is facing a power deficit of around 250MW while Zimbabwe is worse off, with a shortage of over 1 000MW as it is only producing 1 200MW while demand is over 2 200MW.
The two countries are pinning hopes on the Batoka as one of the medium term power projects which will solve their power challenges.
The Batoka Hydroelectric Scheme was conceived by the Central African Power Corporation, the predecessor of the ZRA in 1972 after a study which was carried out to identify possible power sources which the intergovernmental institution could develop to meet the power demands of Zambia and Zimbabwe. — New Ziana
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu