News / National
Zimbabwe set for 300MW coal power plant boost
5 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe's push to strengthen its energy infrastructure has received a significant boost, with independent power producer Huoyuntong Investments (Private) Limited applying to establish a 300-megawatt (MW) coal-fired thermal power plant in Kwekwe. The ambitious project is expected to play a vital role in supporting the country's industrialisation and economic growth goals under Vision 2030.
According to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), the application was submitted in line with Section 4(3) of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations, 2008, under Statutory Instrument 103 of 2008. The proposed power station will be located at Indarama Mine in the Midlands Province and will feed directly into the national grid, helping to improve electricity reliability and availability across Zimbabwe.
Huoyuntong Investments plans to construct, own, operate, and maintain the power facility, which will be supported by a 15-kilometre triple-circuit 400kV transmission line. This new line will link the plant's dedicated Huoyuntong Substation to the Sherwood B Substation and will include associated bays and infrastructure to facilitate seamless integration with the national transmission network.
The project aligns with the Government's broader infrastructure development strategy, which identifies energy as a critical enabler of economic transformation. Reliable and sufficient power is essential for key sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic use, all of which are central to achieving upper middle-income status by 2030.
While coal-fired power has faced growing international scrutiny due to its environmental impact, Zimbabwe is adopting a pragmatic approach. The country continues to develop renewable energy sources such as solar and hydro while strategically leveraging its vast coal reserves to meet baseload electricity demand and drive economic expansion.
The licensing process for the Kwekwe power station is being carried out in accordance with Sections 42 and 46 of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19), which governs electricity generation and licensing. This ensures the project meets all legal, technical, and environmental standards required for approval.
In line with regulatory provisions, ZERA has also invited members of the public and relevant stakeholders to submit objections or representations regarding the project. This move is intended to uphold transparency and inclusivity in national energy planning.
If approved, the Huoyuntong power plant is expected to significantly contribute to Zimbabwe's energy security, offering a dependable source of power for industrial and residential consumers while supporting the country's broader development agenda.
According to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), the application was submitted in line with Section 4(3) of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations, 2008, under Statutory Instrument 103 of 2008. The proposed power station will be located at Indarama Mine in the Midlands Province and will feed directly into the national grid, helping to improve electricity reliability and availability across Zimbabwe.
Huoyuntong Investments plans to construct, own, operate, and maintain the power facility, which will be supported by a 15-kilometre triple-circuit 400kV transmission line. This new line will link the plant's dedicated Huoyuntong Substation to the Sherwood B Substation and will include associated bays and infrastructure to facilitate seamless integration with the national transmission network.
The project aligns with the Government's broader infrastructure development strategy, which identifies energy as a critical enabler of economic transformation. Reliable and sufficient power is essential for key sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic use, all of which are central to achieving upper middle-income status by 2030.
While coal-fired power has faced growing international scrutiny due to its environmental impact, Zimbabwe is adopting a pragmatic approach. The country continues to develop renewable energy sources such as solar and hydro while strategically leveraging its vast coal reserves to meet baseload electricity demand and drive economic expansion.
The licensing process for the Kwekwe power station is being carried out in accordance with Sections 42 and 46 of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19), which governs electricity generation and licensing. This ensures the project meets all legal, technical, and environmental standards required for approval.
In line with regulatory provisions, ZERA has also invited members of the public and relevant stakeholders to submit objections or representations regarding the project. This move is intended to uphold transparency and inclusivity in national energy planning.
If approved, the Huoyuntong power plant is expected to significantly contribute to Zimbabwe's energy security, offering a dependable source of power for industrial and residential consumers while supporting the country's broader development agenda.
Source - zimpapers
