The Zimbabwe Electricity Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has approved an application by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) to generate electricity at Gairezi River as Zesa continues to explore long-term solutions to power outages haunting the country.
The plant to be constructed at an estimated cost of $90 million would result in the generation of 40 megawatts (MW).
Gairezi River is situated in the Eastern Highlands and ZPC carried out a feasibility study to establish the viability of a hydropower station in an attempt to improve the power situation in the country.
The project is expected to be completed within two years.
ZPC managing director Noah Gwariro expressed excitement on the new development.
“We are excited that our application to generate power at Gairezi has been approved,” he said.
“ZPC are doing their best to make sure there is adequate power for Zimbabwe and this project will definitely contribute to a reduction in the power woes that have threatened industry and the nation at large.”
The power company is also working on the Hwange 7 and 8 and Kariba 7 and 8 expansion projects.
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Zimbabwe recently short-listed 11 bidders for the expansion of its Hwange and Kariba South hydropower stations.
The country has been battling power shortages due to growing demand and ageing plants, limiting supplies to industry and the key mining sector. Zimbabwe produces around 1 000MW of electricity, compared with peak demand of 2 200MW.
ZPC said it was seeking ways to repower the smaller thermal power stations as part of its plan to increase power supply.
The enterprise is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zesa Holdings group of companies.
It is responsible for the generation of electricity and other energy-related services.
It is composed of five business units which are Kariba Hydro-electric Power Station, and the Hwange, Bulawayo, Munyati and Harare Thermal Power Stations.
The extension of the Hwange station is expected to add 600MW to the country’s national grid with an additional 300MW expected after the expansion of Kariba South hydro plant.
