- President Mnangagwa, president of Zimbabwe led the groundbreaking ceremony for a 720MW coal thermal power plant in Hwange, backed by a US$1 billion investment from Titan New Energy and Zesa Holdings.
- The project is part of Zimbabwe’s effort to diversify its energy mix and address power shortages, with additional solar plants planned to boost capacity by 200MW.
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 720MW coal-fired thermal power plant in Hwange, a project developed by Titan New Energy in partnership with Zesa Holdings.
This project, part of a broader push to diversify Zimbabwe’s energy mix, represents a US$1 billion investment for Phase 1, with an additional 200MW solar plant planned for Gweru in Phase 2. Construction is set to begin immediately, with some units expected to be operational by the end of next year.
The Hwange power station will utilise lower-quality coal from mining operations that would otherwise go to waste, helping to reduce costs and minimise environmental impact. President Mnangagwa highlighted that this development supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and aligns with the newly launched Energy Efficiency Policy. It also contributes to the country’s ongoing efforts to boost energy capacity and address power shortages.
In his speech, President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of domestic energy generation as a critical enabler for economic transformation. He commended the project for its potential to address rising electricity demand, reduce power cuts, and increase energy self-sufficiency. The President also noted the favourable investment climate under his government, which has made Zimbabwe an attractive destination for energy projects.
The new plant is part of a larger initiative to enhance the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) energy sector, addressing power supply challenges exacerbated by climate change. The region faces significant deficits, particularly in hydropower, as low water levels in the Kariba Dam have reduced capacity.
President Mnangagwa urged increased investment in renewable energy and more vital public-private sector collaboration to improve infrastructure, particularly regional transmission interconnections.
Zimbabwe also benefits from multiple independent power projects, including the ongoing commissioning of the Hwange 7 and 8 Expansion Project, which has added over 610MW to the grid. Additional independent projects, such as the ZZEE 50MW thermal and various solar plants, contribute over 300MW to the national supply.
The Titan Thermal Power Plant and other projects, such as the 100MW solar plant by Afrochine and the 200MW solar plant in Gweru, are expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s energy capacity by December 2025. The President emphasised the importance of job creation, skills transfer, and ensuring host communities in Hwange, Chivhu, and Selous benefit from these investments.
Furthermore, President Mnangagwa condemned the vandalism of electricity infrastructure and urged stakeholders to maintain high environmental, social, and governance standards. He also encouraged investors to explore the full range of opportunities within Zimbabwe’s energy sector, noting that these projects will help fuel the country’s growth and transformation. The 720MW coal plant project was part of deals signed during the President’s recent visit to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.