President Launches US$1bn Energy Plant
President Mnangagwa performs the ground breaking ceremony at the 720MW thermal power plant and 200Mw solar project in Hwange yesterday. — Picture Eliah Saushoma
Leonard Ncube in HWANGE
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday led the ground-breaking ceremony for the new 720MW coal thermal power plant being implemented by Titan New Energy in partnership with Zesa Holdings in Hwange, where he commended mutually beneficial private-public sector co-operation in developing a diversified energy mix. Titan Energy has invested US$1 billion into the 720MW Phase 1 and an additional 200MW solar plant to be constructed in Gweru under Phase 2. Construction is set to begin immediately, while some units are expected to feed the grid by the end of next year. The Hwange station will be using lower quality coal from mining operations that would otherwise be wasted, helping to control costs and minimise environmental degradation. The milestone development of a major new power station 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 of the positive fruits of the comprehensive reforms brought in by the Second Republic. These power projects are poised to transform the electricity generation landscape in Zimbabwe, thereby boosting the supply side to meet rising demand and reversing the tide of power cuts being experienced in the country and across southern Africa. ReadMore