Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
ZESA Holdings is carrying out feasibility studies for four more generating units at Hwange Thermal Power Station to ensure Zimbabwe improves its energy security which is critical for economic development, the firm’s acting chief executive Engineer Cletus Nyachowe told Parliamentarians on Saturday.
Eng Nyachowe told the touring Parliamentiary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development at Hwange Thermal Power Station that the additional units, 9 to 12, would be following the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 by President Mnangagwa in 2023.
This increase in thermal power would be backed by large solar stations.
With the country experiencing economic growth, demand for electricity has also increased, prompting Government to initiate mechanisms to improve power supplies.
The county requires approximately 2 000 MW with an installed capacity of around 2 800 MW although a combination of factors that include breakdowns at Hwange Units 1 to 6 due to old equipment and low water levels at Kariba Hydro-Electricity Power Station have caused shortages that have resulted in the power utility implementing load shedding.
Eng Nyachowe said the company had implemented measures to ensure reliable supply of electricity that include imports from neighbouring countries in the region and installation of prepaid and smart metres to improve revenue collection but added that the long-term solution lay in the construction of more generating capacity.
