Zim to curb electricity shortage

Emmanuel Kafe
Government has come up with a comprehensive electricity supply plan that will see massive overhauls, maintenance and re-powering of existing thermal and hydro power stations.

Energy and Power Development Minister Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo last week said following completion of Kariba South Extension, which added 300MW to the national grid, Hwange Thermal Station would undergo a 42-month upgrade to produce additional 600MW.

The minister said this in a ministers’ question and answer session in Parliament.

Zimbabwe has over the last decade faced power shortages owing to old electricity generation plants and equipment.

Ambassador Khaya Moyo said the Zimbabwe Power Company had rolled out projects to ensure Zimbabwe had adequate electricity supplies.

The country is generating around 1 045MW against peak national demand of about 1 400MW.

“The ministry is working on improving reliability and increasing capacity at Hwange Thermal Power Station through overhauls and maintenance,” said Ambassador Khaya Moyo.

“The power station used to generate on average three generators, but has now improved to generate on average four to five generators. Hwange will now have an additional 600MW after the addition of two 300MW generators.

“The project has since reached a financial closure and is waiting the first drawdown so as to commence. The project is expected to take 42 months once it commences.”

Ambassador Khaya Moyo said electricity generation capacity at Harare Power Station would increase from 40MW to 120MW through a re-powering exercise.

The minister said Zesa was also negotiating power purchases agreements with several private suppliers to bridge the gap between now and when various generation projects come to fruition.

“We are importing about 300MW from Eskom and about 50 MW from HCB, that is the Hydro Cahora Bassa,” said Ambassador Khaya Moyo.

“ZETDC is in constant liaison with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to ensure that foreign currency payments for the imported power are made,” he said.