AS Zimbabwe grapples with persistent energy shortages and erratic power supplies, local and international investors are being urged to turn their attention to the untapped potential of mini-hydro power projects in Manicaland province.
This plea follows a recent media tour of the nearly-complete Odzani Falls Power Station in Penhalonga, which stands as a testament to the benefits of small-scale renewable energy generation in the region.
The Odzani Falls Power Station, owned by Penhalonga Energy (Pvt) Ltd, is currently 90% complete and is set to begin generating electricity by the end of this month.
With an estimated capacity of 910 kilowatts, the facility is expected to provide enough electricity to power approximately 400 housing units.
Victor Sibanda, a research and energy efficiency engineer at the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera), emphasised the significance of such projects.
“As Zera, we are calling local and international investors to invest in hydro power generation, as Manicaland has existing and planned mini-hydropower projects that can provide reliable, localised energy for communities and industries, thus boosting overall national power generation,” Sibanda said.
Zimbabwe continues to face challenges related to power supply, often leading to load-shedding that disrupts economic activities across various sectors, with the power outages at times lasting as long as 18 hours.
Sibanda asserted that mini-hydropower solutions could alleviate power outages.
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“The country faces an erratic power supply, impacting economic sectors,” he said.
“Mini-hydropower projects offer localised power generation solutions that can mitigate these challenges.”
Sibanda encouraged investors by highlighting Zera’s role in providing licensing authority aimed at enhancing economic development.
“Investing in power generation, including mini-hydro, drives economic development and supports various businesses across sectors.
“These projects can harness Manicaland’s water resources to produce clean and reliable electricity, benefitting communities and industries across Zimbabwe.”
Gashirai Nyandoro, the senior operator at the Odzani Falls Power Station, confirmed that the energy produced will be fed into the national grid, enhancing the overall electricity supply.
“This station will generate power into the national grid,” he said.
“We have turbines that will produce a total of 500 kilowatts and are currently finalising work on the main canal.”
Added Nyandoro: “We aim to begin generating electricity by the end of October.”
Other mini-hydropower stations already operational in the Manicaland province include the Kupinga facility in Chipinge, a run-of-river plant on the Rusitu River, and the Pungwe A station on the Nyamombe River in the Honde Valley.
The smaller Duru plant on the Duru River further exemplifies how localised power generation can effectively serve the communities in Honde Valley, providing essential energy to homesteads.
In addition to the Odzani Falls Power Station, the government and private sector are working on new projects, such as the planned mini-hydro project at the Osborne Dam, which is designed to generate 2,5 megawatts of electricity.
Moses Mutasa an economist based in Mutare said these initiatives reflect a growing recognition of hydro energy’s role in achieving energy independence and sustainability in Zimbabwe.
“Despite the promising prospects of mini-hydropower generation, challenges remain,” Mutasa said.
“Investors must navigate the regulatory environment and consider the long-term sustainability and profitability of such projects.”
He said the growing demand for clean energy and the pressing need for reliable electricity supply in Zimbabwe represent significant opportunities for investment in this sector.
