News / National
No more power shortages in Zimbabwe says govt
14 Mar 2016 at 21:58hrs | Views
The government says it has put in place measures to ensure the country does not experience power shortages although generation at Kariba has been reduced to an average of 285 megawatts.
Kariba hydro power has an installed capacity to generate 750 megawatts.
Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Samuel Undenge told students at the Zimbabwe Staff College that 2016 is likely to be the transitional year of no load shedding as the government has increased imports from South Africa and Mozambique.
Dr Undenge added that the government has also maintained very high levels of generation at the four thermal power stations, particularly Hwange to supplement the limited generation at Kariba hydro power station.
"Some large power users embarked on energy efficiency improvements, thereby releasing 25 megawatts to other consumers whilst Sable Chemicals released 40 megawatts since they no longer use the old energy intensive technology of electrolysis in the production of ammonium nitrate," said Dr Undenge.
Diesel generators which will be installed at Dema substation in Seke will also help according to Dr Undenge who hints the much awaited renewable energy policy will be finalised this year.
Zimbabwe has an enormous solar energy potential which if exploited can supply approximately 10 000 giga watt hours of electrical energy per year.
Kariba hydro power has an installed capacity to generate 750 megawatts.
Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Samuel Undenge told students at the Zimbabwe Staff College that 2016 is likely to be the transitional year of no load shedding as the government has increased imports from South Africa and Mozambique.
Dr Undenge added that the government has also maintained very high levels of generation at the four thermal power stations, particularly Hwange to supplement the limited generation at Kariba hydro power station.
"Some large power users embarked on energy efficiency improvements, thereby releasing 25 megawatts to other consumers whilst Sable Chemicals released 40 megawatts since they no longer use the old energy intensive technology of electrolysis in the production of ammonium nitrate," said Dr Undenge.
Diesel generators which will be installed at Dema substation in Seke will also help according to Dr Undenge who hints the much awaited renewable energy policy will be finalised this year.
Zimbabwe has an enormous solar energy potential which if exploited can supply approximately 10 000 giga watt hours of electrical energy per year.
Source - zbc
