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Zimbabwe set to add at least 150MW to the national grid
- 11 power projects to come on board this year
- Projects expected to bridge the supply deficit in the country
The Minister of Energy Development Zhemu Soda has said the country is expected to add at least 150MW to the national grid in 2021. Minister Soda said about 11 power projects would come on board this year, including the coal-fired power station built in Hwange by Zimbabwe Zhongxin Electrical Energy Limited (ZZEE).
The Minister also stated that the country is currently importing between 50MW and 350MW of generation capacity from regional utilities Hydroeletrica de Cahora Bassa of Mozambique and Eskom, South Africa. He, however, noted the supply challenges from importing due to the issues affecting Eskom. “Eskom indicated they would not be able to export power outside firm contracts during winter as they also face huge demand, so we only get 50MW from there”, Soda said.
Soda also noted that the current generation challenges are due to the low generation capacity at Hwange Power station. “Government is currently refurbishing Hwange thermal power station Unit 6, and when that is done, we will have more power added to the grid from that plant”, he said.
The Minister is confident that the capacity deficit would be resolved by the end of the year.