Zimbabweans to endure 6 more years with load shedding

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) is undertaking energy generation projects worth 3,000MW to eliminate load-shedding and achieve universal electricity access by 2030. The initiatives are being implemented in collaboration with Captive Power Project, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Speaking at the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia (Zim-Zam) Energy Projects Summit in Victoria Falls, Zesa executive chairman, Dr. Sydney Gata, outlined ambitious goals aligned with the Second Republic's Vision 2030. These include eradicating power imports by 2026, clearing connection backlogs by 2027, initiating net power exports by 2028, and ensuring public lighting systems by 2029.

Dr. Gata emphasized the need to address investment risks for power projects, including capacity, currency, and implementation risks. While Zimbabwe introduced a cost-reflective tariff in 2020, currency guarantees remain unresolved.
Major Power Projects Underway

Dr. Gata revealed that numerous power generation projects are under construction, including:

Zhong Jin Heli Project: A 300MW project in Hwange started in November 2023, set for completion in March 2025.

ZZEE Project: A 270MW plant in Hwange, launched in January 2021, to be completed by December 2025.

Titan Project: A 720MW coal-fired plant in Hwange, slated for December 2025 delivery.

Xintal Project: A 100MW coalfield plant in Beitbridge, expected to be operational by March 2025.

Jinan Project: A 200MW solar plant in Gweru, beginning January 2025 and concluding in December 2025.

Other projects include a 100MW solar plant by Afrochine in Selous, Zimplats' 180MW solar plant in Chegutu, and a 100MW coal-fired plant by Dinson Steel in Chivhu. There are also plans for a 100MW wind energy facility in Mamina and a 100MW solar plant in Manhize.

Zesa is also pursuing innovative initiatives like floating solar installations on Kariba Dam and the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Project, though these face significant investment and operational risks.
Electrification Roadmap

Zesa's roadmap targets full electrification by 2030, covering 2.4 million households, 1.7 million solar home systems, 527,000 grid connections and 5,000 microgrids.

Transmission projects aligned with Vision 2030 are valued at $787 million, with 1,020MW projects awaiting ground-breaking and 450MW pending approval.

Regional Collaboration and Renewable Energy

The Zim-Zam Energy Projects Summit, held under the theme "Powering Zimbabwe and Zambia's Sustainable Energy Future: Unlocking Opportunities in Renewables, Grid Modernisation and Energy Access", focused on regional integration and renewable energy opportunities.

Dr. Gata called for special legislative measures to mitigate investment risks and accelerate regional energy projects like Batoka Gorge. Zambia's Zesco director for power generation, Mr. Wesley Lwiindi, highlighted similar legislative efforts in Zambia to address energy challenges.

The summit will conclude with a tour of a solar power plant, showcasing progress in renewable energy.

With these projects, Zimbabwe is positioning itself for an energy-secure future, while fostering regional collaboration in addressing shared challenges in the power sector.