Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma has said that he expects the current energy crisis in Zimbabwe to improve, thanks to a comprehensive programme currently being devised by the government
"We are targeting the Lupane gas reserves, which we hope to start exploiting for electricity generation and we are currently working on finding the right partners for the deal," he said.
In addition to exploiting the methane gas reserves, Minister Mangoma is also working to resuscitate coal-fired thermal power stations in Zimbabwe.
"We want to revive such stations as Munyati and other thermal power stations in Harare and Bulawayo. We are still looking for partners and funds to revive the power stations and we are optimistic that very soon these facilities will begin to churn out power and I am sure that very soon our power supply situation will improve," he said.
Hydro-power stations
In addition to the methane and thermal strategies, the government is also devising the establishment of hydro-power stations at major dams such as Lakes Mutirikwi, Manyuchi. Plans are already underway by a South African investor to set up a hydro power plant at Lake Mutirikwi.
The power expected for commissioning in 2013, will feed about five megawatts into the national grid, though the Masvingo Province alone currently receives about three megawatts of electricity per day.
Installed capacity stands at 1,960MW, but national demand for power is nearer 2,200MW and will certainly increase as the economy picks up.
