adminThe country has an electricity shortfall of 600MW, with the national power utility, Zesa, only able to generate around 1 400MW.
As a result, Zimbabwe has tried to bridge the shortfall through power rationing and imports from neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.
Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma told New Ziana negotiations were underway with South Africa to import electricity from that country.
He said Zimbabwe wanted to get excess South African power produced during off-peak periods. At present, South Africa reduces electricity generation during off-peak periods.
Under the deal, South Africa would maintain optimum power production at all times, and exports the excess off-peak electricity to Zimbabwe.
“We are engaged in talks with Eskom of South Africa to import more power during it’s off peak to reduce load shedding,” Minister Mangoma said.
“There is already an understanding in principle and we are already working on the modalities. Expectations are that South Africa will not reduce power generation during off peak, but continue (high production) and export it to us during this period,” he said.
Minister Mangoma said the imports would reduce load shedding in the country, which has badly affected industry.
Zimbabwe’s power mainly comes from Hwange and Kariba power stations, which need capital injections to operate at full capacity. – New Ziana
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter