Zimbabwean energy minister Samuel Undenge announced the government’s projects to increase power generation in the country
In a recent Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Undenge addressed the concerns of stakeholders by revealing the government’s plans to make power affordable for businesses. He listed a few projects in the pipeline that will boost stakeholder confidence in the energy sector’s ability.
The Batoka hydropower project, expected to commence construction this year, is one of the projects. “The Batoka project is now on course and we have started carrying out feasibility studies, which we expect to end in July this year. Between July and December we expect the project to go to tender,” he disclosed.
The Batoka project, which is to be completed by 2023 and is expected to produce 2400MW, is a joint venture between the Zimbabwe and Zambia governments and the power generated will be shared between the two countries. Zimbabwe is expected to receive 1200MW from the project.
The Hwange Thermal Power's expansion, which will generate an additional 300MW, Kariba South (300MW), Gwai Shangani (600MW), Makomo (600MW), Binga (600MW), Munyati (100MW), Gwanda (100MW) and Ensukamini (100MW) are some of the other power generation projects in the pipeline. Undenge also pointed out that independent power producers, including Gaerezi and Pungwe mini-hydro projects, are also expected to boost power production in the country.
“Power should be given to industry at affordable rates because it determines competitiveness,” Undenge noted.
