ZESA unveils ambitious plan to boost power generation

ZESA Holdings has announced a comprehensive plan to address the ongoing power supply crisis in Zimbabwe.

The plan includes a series of initiatives aimed at increasing generation capacity, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on imports.

ZESA Executive Chairman, Dr. Sydney Gata, in a statement this week outlined the key components of the plan, which focus on repowering existing power plants, constructing new generation facilities and harnessing renewable energy sources.

One of the major initiatives is the repowering of Hwange Power Station’s Units 1 to 6. ZESA is finalising an agreement with Jindal of India to upgrade these units, which will increase their combined output from 485 MW to 840 MW. The project is expected to be completed in the next 36-48 months.

In addition to the repowering of Hwange, ZESA is also pursuing plans to construct new power plants. Jindal of India is investing in an additional four new units at Hwange, which will introduce 1200 MW of new capacity. Feasibility studies for these projects have commenced, according to Dr Gata.

Furthermore, ZESA is partnering with ferrochrome companies to develop thermal power plants. These companies have committed to investing in solar and wind energy projects, which will contribute to the country’s renewable energy capacity.

To further enhance power supply, ZESA is planning to install a utility-scale battery energy storage system. This system will provide 3 hours of 600 MW during peak demand periods, reducing load shedding and improving system operations.

Dr. Gata emphasised the importance of these initiatives in addressing Zimbabwe’s power supply challenges.

“These measures will produce over 3 300 MW of additional capacity,” he stated. “Combined with the expected increase in generation from Kariba Power Station in the coming years, we are confident that we can significantly improve the power supply situation.”-ebsinessweekl