Zimbabwe's state power utility has begun feasibility assessments for four additional generating units at Hwange Thermal Power Station, with the expansion designed to strengthen national electricity security. Acting chief executive Cletus Nyachowe informed parliamentary energy committee members touring the facility that units nine through twelve would follow the operational deployment of units seven and eight, which the president commissioned two years ago. The thermal capacity increases will work alongside major solar installations.
National demand reaches approximately 2,000 megawatts while installed capacity stands near 2,800 megawatts, though aging equipment failures at older Hwange units and reduced water levels at Kariba hydroelectric station have forced rolling blackouts. Nyachowe explained that ZESA Holdings has implemented interim solutions, including regional power purchases and prepaid metering systems, to improve revenue collection, but permanent relief requires building substantial new generation capacity to match economic expansion, driving higher consumption.
National demand reaches approximately 2,000 megawatts while installed capacity stands near 2,800 megawatts, though aging equipment failures at older Hwange units and reduced water levels at Kariba hydroelectric station have forced rolling blackouts. Nyachowe explained that ZESA Holdings has implemented interim solutions, including regional power purchases and prepaid metering systems, to improve revenue collection, but permanent relief requires building substantial new generation capacity to match economic expansion, driving higher consumption.
