WATCH: Another milestone in energy sector

Leonard Ncube in Hwange 

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday led the groundbreaking ceremony to kick-start the new 720MW waste-to-thermal-coal power plant being implemented by Titan New Energy in partnership with Zesa Holdings in Hwange where he commended mutually beneficial private-public sector cooperation in developing a diversified energy mix. 

Titan Energy has invested a massive US$1 billion into the 720MW Phase 1 and an additional 200MW solar plant to be constructed in Gweru in Phase 2, with work towards actual construction set to begin immediately.

The milestone development buttresses the aspirations under Vision 2030 and amplifies the recently launched Energy Efficiency Policy. 

The unlocking of new energy investments evidenced by the implementation of multi-pronged power projects across the sector is a testament to the positive fruits of the comprehensive reforms ushered in by the Second Republic.

These are poised to transform the landscape of electricity generation in Zimbabwe, thereby boosting the supply side to meet rising demand and reversing the tide of power cuts currently being experienced in the country and across southern Africa.

In his keynote address at the event, which was witnessed by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, senior Government officials, and scores of locals, President Mnangagwa said increasing domestic energy generation was a critical enabler for accelerated economic transformation. 

Zimbabwe has become an investment destination of choice riding on the improved ease of doing business and conducive environment created by the Second Republic, said President Mnangagwa.

He applauded the new project as a game-changer, adding that support and promotion of projects of this nature are part of his Government’s efforts to increase the installed power-generating capacity through the construction of new power plants.

“It gives me great pleasure to officiate at this ground-breaking ceremony for the Power Plant projects by Titan New Energy, Dinson, and Afrochine. 

“This marks another milestone in our country’s journey towards modernisation, industrialisation and sustainable socio-economic development, anchored on a robust energy sector,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Electricity is the lifeblood of industrialisation and is critical for our mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, among others. These vital projects also reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to achieve energy self-sufficiency and determination to leap towards a future driven by innovation.”

At the level of SADC, the importance of energy in the integration agenda cannot be over-emphasised, more so because energy access and availability are some of the key enablers of sustainable development, said President Mnangagwa who is also chairman of the SADC.

While the region has abundant energy resources, ranging from solar to wind, and hydro to gas, he emphasised the need for greater investments. 

Zimbabwe and the rest of SADC are battling acute power supply challenges in the wake of climate change, which has mainly crippled hydro-power generation in stations like Kariba Hydro-Power Station due to low water levels.

In this regard, President Mnangagwa called for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors in the development of energy infrastructure, particularly renewable energy.

“In doing so, maintaining an intricate balance between green energy and traditional sources remains of utmost priority in our country’s energy generation strategy. I congratulate all stakeholders, for the ingenuity, well done,” he said.

“Today’s project will significantly strengthen Zimbabwe’s energy potential and make Hwange the generation hub of our electricity,” he said. 

“It is a testament to our quest to ensure energy security. As a ministry, our mandate is clear, to provide a safe reliable, and efficient energy supply to all Zimbabweans,” the minister added. 

“The ministry understands that the capital-intensive nature of power infrastructure and successful implementation needs to depend on the private sector.

“To this end, the Second Republic has made deliberate political decisions aimed at attracting new players in the industry. The proposition outcome of these policies is becoming visible as we witness an influx of investors exemplified by this project. 

“I would like to update on the state of power supply in the country and wish to advise the nation that comprehensive measures are being taken to address the situation,” he said.

Minister Moyo said the load-shedding experience was a result of low generation at Kariba due to climate change-induced drought and this will be addressed through hybridisation, among other measures.

He applauded Zimbabweans for appreciating the challenges and urged patience.

“I want to express gratitude to the nation for exercising patience in these challenging times in power supply. We accept that climate change is here to stay not only in Zimbabwe but in the world as a whole. 

“The ministry is, therefore, working on climate resilient measures that include hybridisation of water use in Kariba. Zera also gave Zesa a cost-reflective tariff and there is a need to capacitate Zera to deliver,” said Minister Moyo.

He said the Government will continue to promote the private sector through engagement and facilitation and hoped that the Titan project will not only increase energy but act as a catalyst for increased private sector investment in the country’s power sector.