Hwange Power Station breaches 1 000MW output

Consumers across Zimbabwe have expressed their satisfaction with the recent improvement in power supply, attributed to the successful completion of maintenance works at the Hwange Power Station. The facility, which has breached a daily output of 1,000MW, has brought much-needed relief to households, businesses, and industries that were previously grappling with frequent power outages.

While load shedding continues due to the growing demand for electricity and the need to bridge the gap through regional imports, the increased domestic power output has been hailed as a significant development. Daily updates from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) reveal that Hwange Power Station now dominates the country's electricity generation, contributing around 1,000MW daily. Kariba Power Station follows with 185MW due to limited water levels, while Independent Power Producers (IPPs) contribute between 53MW and 66MW daily.

As of yesterday, the country's total electricity generation stood at 1,175MW, compared to 1,267MW on Tuesday and 1,165MW on Monday. Despite this improvement, the output still falls short of the daily maximum demand of approximately 1,825MW. Just a few months ago, in November, power generation had dropped to alarming levels, with daily averages as low as 850MW, causing severe load shedding and extended power cuts.

The country's power supply challenges were exacerbated by the El Niño-induced drought, which significantly reduced water levels at Lake Kariba, forcing the Zambezi River Authority to curtail power generation for both Zimbabwe and Zambia. However, with the maintenance work at Hwange now completed, power generation has returned to more stable levels.

Engineer Gloria Magombo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, commended the improved situation, noting that the completion of the Class C maintenance work on Units 7 and 8 at Hwange has helped restore normal electricity generation. "The units are now back in service, and we are appreciative of the improved power supply situation that the country is experiencing," she said.

Eng Magombo also highlighted the Government's ongoing efforts to sustain the upward trajectory of electricity generation. She confirmed that the Government is committed to signing consultancy contracts to support IPPs in the country, as part of efforts to address power shortages and bolster economic growth. With positive summer season projections for the region, there are hopes that Lake Kariba's inflows will rise, potentially boosting hydroelectricity generation.

Economists and industry analysts have lauded the improved power supply, noting the positive impact on business operations. Stevenson Dlamini, an economist and lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), emphasized the importance of consistent electricity availability for the manufacturing sector. "Increased domestic power supply is crucial for businesses as it ensures uninterrupted production, leading to higher output, increased sales, and better customer satisfaction. This, in turn, enhances business viability and competitiveness," he said.

Small business owner Juliana Mujuru, who operates at the SMEs Centre in Bulawayo, expressed her relief, saying that the improved power supply would allow her business to increase its operating capacity. "It also gives us time to rest since we used to work at night to finish orders. We hope the situation remains positive, which will also reduce the cost of production," she added.

Economist Reginald Shoko echoed these sentiments, saying that reliable power supply reduces downtime, minimizes disruptions, and lowers operational costs by reducing the need for backup generators. "Reliable electricity supports the adoption of advanced technologies and innovation, creating a more conducive environment for growth, attracting investment, and enabling businesses to meet customer demands more effectively," he said.

In Bulawayo, residents have noticed the improvement in power supply. Mr. Nqobani Masuku, a resident of Nguboyenja suburb, acknowledged the positive change. "We can't yet say electricity is available in our homes all the time, but we are seeing progress. Last year, we would sometimes go for up to 20 hours without power," he said.

For vendors like Marilyn, who sells chicken feet at Sixth Avenue, the improvement has been a game-changer. "My business requires that my products be kept frozen before I leave home in the late afternoons to sell them at night. Now that the electricity situation is improving, I can start selling again," she said.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has also been supporting Zimbabwe's energy sector reforms, funding projects like the Zimbabwe Energy Sector Reform Support. The AfDB's wind resource assessment project is progressing well, with consultancy contracts signed and implementation underway, further indicating a positive outlook for the country's energy future.

The improved power supply comes as a welcome relief to consumers across the country, providing hope that the Government's ongoing efforts to address power shortages will continue to yield positive results.