Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) last month issued power generation licences with a combined capacity of 440 megawatts (MW) to three independent power producers (IPPs).
According to ZERA, the power plants will be constructed in Matabeleland North and Midlands provinces, in a major boost towards national power security.
The licences, which allow the firms to construct, own, operate and maintain power plants, were issued in terms of Section 46(6) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19), ZERA chief executive officer Mr Eddington Mazambani said.
The recipients are Zhong An Coking and Power Company in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province, which will generate 240MW from a Heat Recovery Power Plant, while Huoyuntong Investments Private Limited and Changshi Power Private Limited, both based in Gweru, Midlands Province, will each produce 100MW.
ZERA’s latest approvals reflect the Government’s commitment to diversifying power generation sources and strengthening the role of independent power producers in complementing existing utilities.
Independent power producers have become increasingly important in Zimbabwe’s energy mix as the country seeks to close the electricity supply gap, reduce reliance on imports and support economic growth through reliable and sustainable power generation.
Zimbabwe faces a persistent power deficit, with demand often exceeding supply, resulting in significant load shedding and the need for imports to bridge the supply gap.
Peak demand is around 2 200MW, but generation struggles to consistently meet this, despite recent improvements from Hwange Power Station, following the addition of 2 x 300 MW new generating units, creating a gap of hundreds of megawatts and highlighting a need for more energy investments and diversification.
“In terms of Section 46 (6) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13: 19), Zhong An Coking & Power Company Private Limited hereby publishes a copy of the generation licence issued by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) that authorises Zhong An Coking & Power Company (Pvt) Ltd to construct, own operate and maintain the 240 MW Heat Recovery Power plant in Ward 13 of Main North in Hwange Matabeleland North province,” reads part of the notice by ZERA.
ZERA has issued a significant number of IPP licenses, with reports in mid-2025 indicating licenses for nearly 171 IPPs, though only a fraction (around 48) were operational, with over 60 being renewable projects.
