Rudo Saungweme

Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company (ZETDC) is working on mechanisms to import the 500 Megawatts (MW) energy deficit that the country is currently facing.

A Senior Government official who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that Government was working on mechanisms to import power from countries within the region that have surplus electricity. The power utility is targeting South Africa and Angola which has an excess of 1 400 MW and 2 400 MW of electricity respectively.

“Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company (ZETDC) is working tirelessly to import the 500 MW power which is the country’s deficit from countries within the region. ZETDC has identified South Africa to assist in the provision of electricity because it has an estimated 1 400 MW excess electricity.

“However, Zimbabwe cannot at the moment connect power from Angola as there is no interconnection to link Angola to the Zimbabwe national power grid via the Southern Africa Power Pool. Angola has an excess of 2 400 MW of electricity. Plans are underway to establish the link that can connect power from Angola to Zimbabwe,” revealed the official.

The Government official also revealed that Government was working on arrangements with the mining companies to facilitate direct importation of power since they have access to foreign currency.

“ZETDC is also working on arrangements to facilitate direct importation by mining houses, such as Bindura Nickel Corporation, Afro-Chine, Zimasco and Murowa Diamonds with access to foreign currency. This will help in making payments easier,” revealed the official.