Zesa to import more power from Mozambique

ZESA Holdings is in negotiations with an unnamed regional power supplier to import about 250 megawatts while more than $1 billion will be spent on improving generation capacity and infrastructure development.

ZESA has been in discussions with Hydro Cahora Bassa of Mozambique in which the two companies are expected to tie up a purchase agreement for the supply of 100 megawatts. Mozambique has been exporting 50 megawatts to Zimbabwe on a non-firm contract.

ZESA Holdings chief executive Engineer Josh Chifamba told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy said negotiations are at an advanced stage to secure another power import deal.

"We may be able to get additional power from one of the regional suppliers to the tune of about 250 megawatts and I am saying with caution because we are still to reach an agreement. We are at advanced stages in terms of discussions on the issue.

"I cannot reveal the identity of the supplier but I am quite sure the deal will be finalised soon," said Engineer Chifamba.

He said for the year 2015 ZESA will spend money on improving generation capacity and infrastructure development through using internal resources and external sources.

ZESA has already made some headway in its generation development plans. The expansion of the Kariba Power Station by 300MW was in progress, and negotiations to expand Hwange by 600MW were taking place.

Plant rehabilitation and upgrades were also underway where ZESA had begun to upgrade the distribution network and strengthening the grid.