Odzani Falls Power Station 90% complete

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with crippling power shortages and prolonged load-shedding, local and international investors are being urged to capitalise on the vast potential of mini-hydropower projects in Manicaland province.

The call comes after a recent media tour of the nearly completed Odzani Falls Power Station in Penhalonga, which has been hailed as a model for community-based renewable energy solutions.

Owned by Penhalonga Energy (Pvt) Ltd, the Odzani Falls Power Station is 90% complete and expected to start generating electricity by the end of October. Once operational, the 910-kilowatt facility will supply power to approximately 400 homes, marking a major milestone in efforts to decentralise energy production in Zimbabwe.

Speaking during the tour, Victor Sibanda, a research and energy efficiency engineer at the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), said small-scale hydro projects such as Odzani Falls could play a pivotal role in strengthening the country's energy mix.

"As ZERA, we are calling on both local and international investors to invest in hydro power generation," said Sibanda. "Manicaland has several rivers suitable for mini-hydro projects that can provide reliable, localised power to communities and industries, reducing dependence on the national grid."

Zimbabwe continues to experience erratic power supplies, with blackouts sometimes lasting up to 18 hours a day. Sibanda said such challenges could be eased through increased investment in renewable energy.

"Mini-hydropower projects offer sustainable, localised solutions to mitigate power shortages," he said. "They not only improve energy security but also drive economic development and create jobs."

He added that ZERA was committed to supporting investors through a streamlined licensing process to promote economic growth and clean energy adoption.

Gashirai Nyandoro, senior operator at Odzani Falls Power Station, confirmed that the generated electricity would be fed into the national grid.

"This station will supply the national grid with about 500 kilowatts initially," Nyandoro said. "We are finalising work on the main canal, and we aim to begin generating power before the end of this month."

The project is part of a growing network of small hydropower plants in Manicaland. Other operational sites include the Kupinga facility in Chipinge, a run-of-river plant on the Rusitu River, and Pungwe A station on the Nyamombe River in Honde Valley. The smaller Duru plant on the Duru River also provides essential energy to surrounding communities.

Beyond Odzani Falls, new initiatives are being developed to expand clean energy access. Among them is the planned Osborne Dam mini-hydro project, expected to produce 2.5 megawatts of electricity once complete.

Economist Moses Mutasa, based in Mutare, said these developments underscore growing recognition of hydro energy's role in achieving sustainability and energy independence.

"Mini-hydropower projects demonstrate that Zimbabwe can meet its energy needs using local resources," Mutasa said. "However, investors must also consider regulatory complexities, funding requirements, and long-term project viability."

Mutasa added that the surging demand for clean and reliable power presents significant investment opportunities.

"With the right incentives and partnerships, mini-hydro projects could transform Zimbabwe's energy landscape," he said.

As the Odzani Falls Power Station nears completion, optimism is building that Manicaland's rivers could hold the key to stabilising Zimbabwe's energy supply.

For communities long burdened by power cuts, these small but powerful hydro projects represent more than just electricity - they offer renewed hope for economic growth, sustainability, and improved livelihoods.