Hwange Power Station breaches 1 000MW output

Raymond Jaravaza and Sikhulekelani Moyo, Chronicle Writers

CONSUMERS have commended the Government for the recent improvement in power supplies following the successful completion of maintenance works at the giant Hwange Power Station, which has breached 1 000MW daily electricity output.

While load shedding remains amid growing demand with the country bridging the gap through imports from regional producers, increased domestic output has brought relief to business, industry, and households across the country.

Daily updates from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) indicate that Hwange Power Station dominates supplies, hovering around 1 000MW with Kariba trailing at 185MW due to the limited water levels while Independent Power Producer (IPPS) pump an average of between 53MW and 66MW daily.

As of yesterday, electricity generation stood at a combined 1 175MW compared to 1 267MW on Tuesday and 1 165 on Monday.

This, however, falls short of the daily maximum demand of about 1 825MW. In November last year, electricity generation was at its lowest with a daily average of 850MW combined, which dropped further to 866MW, causing severe load shedding as consumers experienced prolonged power cuts after a technical fault was reported at Hwange.

The El Nino-induced drought significantly dwindled water levels at Lake Kariba forcing the Zambezi River Authority, which jointly owns Kariba Dam between Zimbabwe and Zambia, to curtail power generation for both countries.

In an interview, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Engineer Gloria Magombo, said normal electricity generation has been restored and Hwange was now back at full throttle hence the improved output.

“As a ministry, we deal with policy issues but at the same time we appreciate the improved power supply situation that the country is currently experiencing,” she said.

“The ministry is aware that the Class C maintenance work on Units 7 and 8 in Hwange was successfully completed and the units are now back in service.”

Eng Magombo said the Government will continue working around the clock to make sure that electricity generation in the country stays on an upward trajectory as evidenced by its commitment to sign contracts for consultancy work to support IPPs in the country.

The move is aimed at addressing the crippling power outages and supporting economic growth.

Hopes are high that given the positive summer season projections in the region, prospects for enhanced power generation are high as inflows to Lake Kariba are expected to rise, thereby boosting hydroelectricity generation in the course of the year.

In separate interviews, analysts said the improved power situation was commendable. Economist and National University of Science and Technology (NUST) lecturer Mr Stevenson Dlamini said increasing domestic supplies was significant for the business community, particularly the manufacturing sector, as it ensures uninterrupted production.

“This leads to higher output, increased sales, and greater customer satisfaction. Ultimately, these advancements enhance business viability, competitiveness, and resilience,” he said.

Ms Juliana Mujuru, who leads small businesses operating at the SMEs Centre in Bulawayo, said improved power supply will assist them to increase operating capacity.

“This also gives us time to rest since we used to work at night trying to finish orders,” she said.

“We hope the situation will remain positive, which will also reduce the cost of production.”

Economist, Mr Reginald Shoko, said consistent power availability reduces downtime and minimizes disruptions, allowing for smoother production processes.

“It can also lower operational costs by decreasing the need for backup generators and maintenance. Furthermore, reliable electricity supports the adoption of advanced technologies and automation, driving innovation and competitiveness,” he said.

“Ultimately, improved electricity supply fosters a more conducive environment for growth, attracting investment and enabling businesses to meet customer demands effectively.”

In Bulawayo, some residents expressed optimism about the improved state of power supply.

“The situation has not reached a point where we can say that electricity is now available in our homes most of the time but we are seeing an improvement.

“I remember last year we would go for close to 20 hours a day without power in our homes,” said Mr Nqobani Masuku of Nguboyenja suburb.

A vendor at Sixth Avenue who identified herself as Marilyn said she can now go back to her business of selling chicken feet as the electricity situation has improved since the beginning of the year.

“My business requires that my products are in a frozen state before I leave home in the late afternoons so that I can sell the meat while it is still fresh at night in the city centre.

“Now that the electricity situation is slowly improving, I can now start selling chicken feet again,” she said.

Last year African Development Bank (AfDB) in its update of a project titled Zimbabwe Energy Sector Reform Support, which it is funding, said all the consultancy contracts had been signed and implementation was progressing well.

The implementation period for the wind resource assessment is until June 2026 and the consultancy contracts were signed by the Government as part of the implementation of the AfDB project.

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