Page 6 - AfrElec Week 50 2021
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AfrElec POWER CUTS AfrElec
Zimbabwe power
crisis worsens
ZIMBABWE ZIMBABWE’S electricity grid collapsed on Power Station in August 2018, which will result
December 14, as some of the Kariba Dam’s gen- in a third stage being added to the station with
erating units closing down for repairs. 2x300-MW units being constructed.
The shutdowns plunged most of the country The expansion project will increase Hwange’s
into a blackout, worsening the already dire sup- generation capacity from the current 920 MW
ply situation. to 1,520 MW, according to ZPC, which will help
Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority address perennial power outages in the country.
(ZESA) confirmed the grid collapse in a state- Given the massive nature of the project,
ment, saying it was caused by refurbishments at developing adequate transmission infrastruc-
the Kariba Dam which resulted in three units ture capacity is critical to enhancing energy effi-
being taken out. ciency in the economy.
“ZESA Holdings would like to advise its This comes amid concerns that the power
valued customers countrywide that there is an utility could be losing 20% of the energy it pro-
increase in load-shedding outside the publicised duces due to poor transmission infrastructure.
schedules due to the refurbishment works on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of
Kariba Dam wall,” the power utility said. Energy and Power Development Gloria Mag-
“The refurbishment works have resulted in ombo said the expanded power transmission
the taking out of 3 units at Kariba South Hydro project was being pursued with urgency in the
Power Station today, 14 December 2021. The same manner as the Units 7 and 8 expansion
power utility further advises that this has resulted focus.
in depressed generation, resulting in an increase “The overall project progress stands at 76%
in load-shedding. Customers are advised to use completion. Commissioning of the first 300-
the available power sparingly to minimise the MW unit, (unit-7) is targeted for October 2022
effects of load-shedding,” the statement read. and unit 8 (300 MW) end of January 2023.
The power cuts came as the government said “The project is financed by China Exim Bank
it had started the construction of a 360km trans- and disbursements are made against certified
mission project linking Hwange Thermal Power progress. A total of $360mn has been disbursed
Station and Insukamini Substation in Bulawayo. to date,” said Magombo.
The project is part of the Chinese-funded “The transmission scope includes construc-
$1.5bn Hwange Units 7 and 8 Expansion Project, tion of a 360-km long power line from Hwange
which is 76% complete and is expected to add to Insukamini Substation in Bulawayo.
600 MW to the national grid by 2022. “Construction of the line involves civil works
With an installed capacity of 920 MW, for the tower foundations, installation of the tow-
Hwange Power is the largest coal-fired power ers and stringing of the overhead conductors.”
station in the country, comprising 4x120-MW The energy secretary said civil works have
and 2×220-MW units. already been completed and that 674 of the 875
The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) offi- towers have been installed.
cially commenced expansion works at Hwange
P6 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 50 16•December•2021
