Zimbabwe to see easing of energy pressure as power project nears completion

The construction of Zimbabwe's Hwange 7 and 8 Thermal Power Station that will add an additional 600MW generating capacity to the country's national grid is now 82 percent complete, according to Tsitsi Makova, Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority's deputy chair.

Speaking in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, on Wednesday, Makova said that though the project had lagged behind due to delays in procurement of imported materials as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, it is now on course to be completed by September this year.

"The completion of the project will go a long way in contributing to the national economic recovery. It is our desire as a country to become self-sufficient and narrow the demand-supply gap, minimize power imports and conserve foreign currency," Makova said.

The $1.5 billion expansion project being carried out by Chinese firm PowerChina is being funded by China Exim Bank through Zimbabwe Power Company. It will entail the construction of two units of 300MW each, adding to the existing 920MW Hwange Power Station.

Once complete, the Hwange 7 and 8 Thermal Power Station is expected to bring relief to Zimbabwe's energy sector, which has been facing intermittent power shortages. In mid-September, the Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company imposed power-rationing schedules lasting up to 12 hours.

Zimbabwe needs an average power demand of about 1735MW, but the power utility company's total power supply currently ranges from 1240MW to 1600MW, according to Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company.