- The first phase of the Hwange thermal station extension is set to come online.
- 50MW will be commissioned by October.
- ZZEC will supply the energy to the national grid.
Zimbabwe Zhongxin Electric Company (ZZEC) plans to commission its 50MW thermal power plant in Hwange in October. This will be the first coal-fired IPP in the country. According to the Minister of Energy and Power Development, the plant will commence operations in two stages, beginning with the production of 25MW. The power produced will be fed into the national grid.
Zimbabwe is currently producing 1,400MW from its main power plants, the Kariba hydroelectric and Hwange Thermal Station. However, the equipment in Hwange has been dilapidated. The plant is set to undergo a renovation, while two new units will be constructed under a $1.4 billion deal between Chinese Sino Hydro and Zesa.
After completion, Hwange Thermal station will have four 120MW units from the first phase, two 220MW units from the second stage and the two 300MW units from the new third phase to give a total capacity of 1 520MW. The 50MW set to be commissioned is part of the first phase of the project.