The people who run Zimbabwe want coal companies in Hwange to build places that make electricity. These companies have big piles of coal sitting around. This coal came out when they were digging for a special kind of coal that sits deeper in the ground.
When these companies dig for the special coal, they first have to remove the top dirt. Then, before they reach the special coal, they find lots of normal coal, which makes up most of what they find.
Minister July Moyo says these big piles of coal might catch fire if left alone. He asked the companies to use this coal to make electricity instead. "They have many tons of coal piled up," said Minister Moyo at a meeting in Bulawayo last week. We are asking them to convert this coal into power. They already spent money to dig it up; why not make electricity with it?"
One company has started building a place to make electricity. It should start working in a few months. Coal power is very important for Zimbabwe. The Hwange Power Station provides much of the country's electricity.
Zimbabwe has always used coal from Hwange to make electricity. The power plant there has been the main source for many years. Old power plants in cities like Bulawayo, Munyati, and Harare also helped make electricity.
But these old power plants break down frequently. They have worked for many years and need fixes, and people did not invest enough money into keeping them working well.
The government wants to fix this problem. It is making the Hwange power plant bigger and better, which shows that it wants to keep making electricity from coal.
The water in Lake Kariba is going down because there has not been enough rain. This means less power from water, which makes the need for coal power even bigger.
Minister Moyo asked companies and families to make their electricity if they can. Many companies are already building small power plants, mostly using sunshine. "We ask everyone to do this," said Minister Moyo. "If we want to do well, please be smart and make your power."
When these companies dig for the special coal, they first have to remove the top dirt. Then, before they reach the special coal, they find lots of normal coal, which makes up most of what they find.
Minister July Moyo says these big piles of coal might catch fire if left alone. He asked the companies to use this coal to make electricity instead. "They have many tons of coal piled up," said Minister Moyo at a meeting in Bulawayo last week. We are asking them to convert this coal into power. They already spent money to dig it up; why not make electricity with it?"
One company has started building a place to make electricity. It should start working in a few months. Coal power is very important for Zimbabwe. The Hwange Power Station provides much of the country's electricity.
Zimbabwe has always used coal from Hwange to make electricity. The power plant there has been the main source for many years. Old power plants in cities like Bulawayo, Munyati, and Harare also helped make electricity.
But these old power plants break down frequently. They have worked for many years and need fixes, and people did not invest enough money into keeping them working well.
The government wants to fix this problem. It is making the Hwange power plant bigger and better, which shows that it wants to keep making electricity from coal.
The water in Lake Kariba is going down because there has not been enough rain. This means less power from water, which makes the need for coal power even bigger.
Minister Moyo asked companies and families to make their electricity if they can. Many companies are already building small power plants, mostly using sunshine. "We ask everyone to do this," said Minister Moyo. "If we want to do well, please be smart and make your power."
