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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

ZIMBABWE has completed 13 new energy generation projects with a combined output of over 430 megawatts (MW) within the last 100-day cycle, marking significant progress towards achieving energy self-sufficiency.

The new projects, spanning across the country, comprise a diverse mix of solar and thermal power, with contributions from stock exchange-listed companies and educational institutions.

The investments reflect the positive impact of comprehensive energy sector reforms introduced by the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe has huge potential for renewable energy. Given their market-leading role in manufacturing and supplying renewable energy equipment, companies from China, previously key financiers of coal projects in Zimbabwe, are among the top actors driving the accelerated transition away from fossil fuels in the country.

Decades of underinvestment in electricity generation have resulted in persistent power shortages in Zimbabwe due to demand outstripping installed generation capacity.

This has prompted the country’s power utility, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), to continually cover the deficit through imports from neighbouring countries.

The Government is actively promoting private sector participation in energy production, particularly in renewable energy.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, presented details of several energy projects that have been completed in the past 100-day cycle to enhance energy security.

Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere

The 13 energy projects across the country have been fully implemented, while some are still under construction. For instance, in the Matabeleland region, three high-impact projects are on track.

These include a Thermal Power Plant in Beitbridge District, the 240-Megawatt Zhongzhing Heli Thermal Power Plant, which is coal-powered and currently generating 20 MW, and Makhaza Institution Grid Extension Project in Tsholotsho District, which is 100 percent complete.

Other key projects include the implementation of the Zvarota Institutions Grid Extension Project in Shurugwi, which is 100 percent complete, and the 120MW Maximind Thermal Power Plant in Buhera District, Manicaland Province, which has been completed.

Projects that are ongoing include the 2,5MW Guruve Solar Plant, the NewGlovers 10MW Solar Project in Kwekwe District, the 45MW Zimplants Solar Plant in Chegutu District, which is 40 percent complete, and the 20MW Manhize Thermal Power Plant in Mvuma.

The construction of the Gandavaroyi Community Mini Solar Grid in Gokwe North District is 83 percent complete, while the 160-kilowatt Soti Source Community Solar Mini Grid Project is 85 percent complete.

The construction of the Makhaza Institution Grid Extension Project in Tsholotsho District is 100 percent complete, while the implementation of the Zendele Primary School Solar Mini Grid Project is 70 percent complete.

Zimbabwe has made modest strides in attracting renewable energy investments, with a focus on solar power.
The country aims to increase its renewable energy capacity to 1 100MW by 2025.

Since 2010, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has licensed over 100 independent power producers (IPPs), though many have faced challenges, particularly funding constraints.

To address electricity shortages, an increasing number of companies and households are turning to solar energy for reliable power.

The Government is incentivising investments in renewables through duty and tax benefits, which play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises modernisation, industrialisation, and sustainable socio-economic growth.

To tackle power shortages, the Government is implementing several electricity generation projects, financed through extra-budgetary sources, loans, and private sector investment.

As part of its energy expansion goals, Zimbabwe aims to increase electricity supply from the current installed capacity of 2 317MW to 3 467MW by 2025, adding over 1 000MW in under four years.

According to the latest Index of Electricity Generation (IEG) report from ZimStat, independent power producers (IPPs) are playing a vital role in diversifying Zimbabwe’s energy sources.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, IPPs contributed 4,9 percent of total electricity supply, signalling growth potential for private-sector involvement.

Electricity imports have declined by 20.2 percent, dropping from 611.1 GWh (Q3 2024) to 487.8 GWh (Q4 2024).

However, despite these gains, Zimbabwe’s current power generation of 1,400MW remains lower than demand.

The Government continues to implement public and private sector-driven initiatives to meet the country’s energy needs.

Notably, the expansion and modernisation of the Hwange Thermal Power Plant underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to ensuring a stable energy supply.

However, recurring droughts have reduced water levels at Lake Kariba, significantly lowering hydroelectric output and worsening the energy deficit.