Zim Electricity Production Forecast to Jump 17pc

Hwange Power Station units 7 and 8 are expected to significantly increase domestic power production this year. (File Picture).

Business Reporter

ZIMBABWE anticipates a 17,4 percent surge in electricity production this year, as the country seeks to reduce expensive imports and load shedding that negatively affected businesses and households in 2023. The optimistic outlook is based on the expected full incorporation of Hwange Thermal Power Station units 7 and 8, and the projected 142 percent increase in electricity generation by independent power producers (IPPs), from 33 megawatts (MW) per day to 80MW per day. The construction of the US$1,5 billion thermal power plant was completed early last year and will add a combined 600MW to the national grid. Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) said a total of 14 IPPs with a capacity of 95,99MW are currently contributing to the national grid, with several other projects at different levels of implementation, as Zimbabwe moves towards energy efficiency. According to ZERA, renewable energy technologies now dominate the licensed power projects, in line with the country’s quest for increased cleaner and sustainable power supplies by the year 2025. Zimbabwe has no shortage of sunlight, which places the country in a better position in the push for green energy use. ReadMore