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Leonard Ncube in Hwange 

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday led the groundbreaking ceremony to kick-start the new 720MW waste-to-thermal-coal power plant being implemented by Titan New Energy in partnership with Zesa Holdings in Hwange where he commended mutually beneficial private-public sector cooperation in developing a diversified energy mix. 

Titan Energy has invested a massive US$1 billion into the 720MW Phase 1 and an additional 200MW solar plant to be constructed in Gweru in Phase 2, with work towards actual construction set to begin immediately.

The milestone development buttresses the aspirations under Vision 2030 and amplifies the recently launched Energy Efficiency Policy. 

The unlocking of new energy investments evidenced by the implementation of multi-pronged power projects across the sector is a testament to the positive fruits of the comprehensive reforms ushered in by the Second Republic.

These are poised to transform the landscape of electricity generation in Zimbabwe, thereby boosting the supply side to meet rising demand and reversing the tide of power cuts currently being experienced in the country and across southern Africa.

In his keynote address at the event, which was witnessed by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, senior Government officials, and scores of locals, President Mnangagwa said increasing domestic energy generation was a critical enabler for accelerated economic transformation. 

Zimbabwe has become an investment destination of choice riding on the improved ease of doing business and conducive environment created by the Second Republic, said President Mnangagwa.

He applauded the new project as a game-changer, adding that support and promotion of projects of this nature are part of his Government’s efforts to increase the installed power-generating capacity through the construction of new power plants.

“It gives me great pleasure to officiate at this ground-breaking ceremony for the Power Plant projects by Titan New Energy, Dinson, and Afrochine. 

“This marks another milestone in our country’s journey towards modernisation, industrialisation and sustainable socio-economic development, anchored on a robust energy sector,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Electricity is the lifeblood of industrialisation and is critical for our mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, among others. These vital projects also reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to achieve energy self-sufficiency and determination to leap towards a future driven by innovation.”

At the level of SADC, the importance of energy in the integration agenda cannot be over-emphasised, more so because energy access and availability are some of the key enablers of sustainable development, said President Mnangagwa who is also chairman of the SADC.

While the region has abundant energy resources, ranging from solar to wind, and hydro to gas, he emphasised the need for greater investments. 

Zimbabwe and the rest of SADC are battling acute power supply challenges in the wake of climate change, which has mainly crippled hydro-power generation in stations like Kariba Hydro-Power Station due to low water levels.

In this regard, President Mnangagwa called for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors in the development of energy infrastructure, particularly renewable energy.

“In doing so, maintaining an intricate balance between green energy and traditional sources remains of utmost priority in our country’s energy generation strategy. I congratulate all stakeholders, for the ingenuity, well done,” he said.

“Undoubtedly, the exponential growth of our industry, modernisation, and improved quality of life of our people manifest in part, through an ever-expanding housing stock, which has increased our country’s overall energy demand. 

“This is against a background where climate change-induced drought has seen depressed generation capacity at hydro-power plants.

“This must see the sector fully harnessing the potential of the region’s energy endowments towards achieving universal access to modern energy services. 

“Further, there is need for the region to focus on increasing, not only generation capacity but also the uptake of renewable energy. This will ensure that SADC is able to achieve a sustainable energy mix.”

He highlighted that another critical area that needs partnerships and investments for a viable and vibrant energy sector in SADC is the construction of more transmission interconnections across the region.

This is expected to enable collective and shared benefits from new generation capacity installed in the respective countries within the region.

“Investors are, therefore, invited to explore the numerous prospects, which exist for both in-country and cross-border energy projects in SADC,” said President Mnangagwa.

He pledged Government’s commitment to continue developing the right policy frameworks to accelerate the diversification of the energy portfolio to avert energy poverty. 

“These relate to ease of doing business with regards to competitive tariffs for Independent Power Producers, permits acquisition, grid connections, and the supply chains facilitation. 

“The sector is assured of Government support to build a more resilient energy sector that enables green industrialisation as we redefine our future,” said President Mnangagwa.

According to the African Development Bank, the overall hydropower potential in SADC Member States is estimated at 1,100 terawatt-hours per year, with capacity being utilised at present still under 50 terawatt-hours per year.

This demonstrates the potential that exists for a stable, steady, and reliable power supply.

“Further, the investments we are witnessing in the energy sector are a testament to the significant progress we have made in infrastructure development under the Second Republic. 

“This includes the commissioning of the Hwange 7 and 8 Expansion Project, which is delivering over 610 megawatts of power into our national grid,” said President Mnangagwa.

The equipment at the 720MW waste-to-thermal-coal power plant

He said Independent Power Producers were complementing Government efforts through investments, which have seen the commissioning of power-generating projects of over 300 megawatts.

These include The ZZEE 50MW Thermal Power Plant in Hwange that is currently feeding power into the Grid, Dinson Steel 50MW Thermal Power Project in Chivhu, which will be expanded to 100MW by the end of 2025, Blanket Mine 13MW solar PV plant, Zimplats 35MW solar PV plant and Centragrid 25MW solar PV plant in Nyabira.

“The Titan Thermal Power Plant being embarked upon will see the remarkable generation of 720 megawatts, whilst Afrochine will contribute 100 megawatts through a solar PV project in Selous. 

“Furthermore, the same investors from Titan will undertake the Jinan 200 megawatts Solar Power Plant in Gweru. These projects are expected to be completed by December 2025,” said President Mnangagwa. 

“This is the work culture of the Second Republic. These and other projects should undoubtedly meet our power demands of today and continuously fuel our ambitions of tomorrow, whilst we unlock the potential of our abundant natural resources to drive economic growth and transformation.”

Going forward, the President urged stakeholders in the power sector to ensure that Zimbabwe is not only energy-sufficient but also energy-efficient.

He also emphasised the need for host communities in Hwange, Chivhu, and Selous to benefit more from these investment projects through the creation of jobs, stimulation of economic activities, and facilitation of skills transfer and development.

President Mnangagwa challenged investors to fully embrace all Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in their projects, ensuring a holistic approach to development.

He commended the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, among others, for ensuring that new players can enter the electricity sector and embrace the Whole of Government approach.

President Mnangagwa

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has condemned the vandalism of electricity infrastructure and called for action against perpetrators while urging investors to take advantage of the available opportunities, including moving up the value chain creating more value and ensuring technology transfer.

“We must not tolerate vandalism, and it is imperative that we present ourselves as the safest investment destination in the world,” he said.

The new 720MW project is one of the mega deals struck by President Mnangagwa during his visit to China for the China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Beijing.