By Taurai Mazwi
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that the production of all the supporting through-put to facilitate the smooth increment of the country’s energy supply must begin as soon as possible as Government is set to commission Hwange Power Station next year.
President Mnangagwa said this whilst giving his address on the 40th Independence Day commemorations at State House on Saturday.
“I, thus, urge all stakeholders to be robust, flexible and responsive and to keep the bigger national interest in perspective. Silo mentalities have no place in the course we are taking. The two Units, 7 and 8 at Hwange Power Station under construction are expected to be commissioned during the second quarter of next year.
“These will bring in, an additional 600MW to the National Grid. As such, the production of all the supporting through-put to facilitate the smooth increment of our energy supply must begin now,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa commended the dam levels, saying “It is pleasing that the water inflow into Kariba Dam, which is a key source of our hydro-power, is improving. It is integral that the energy mix continues to improve with regards to both the thermal generation capacity as well as renewable energy sources,”
He furtherhighlighted that the construction of vital infrastructure had to be fast to enablepromising industries to meet the country's needs.
“A number of our key capital projects, principally infrastructure, must be completed as soon as we are able.
“It is the expectation that buoyant industries that meet our needs, while serving regional, continental and even global demand will emerge henceforth. Scientific research, development, innovation and technologies for the vast economic spectrum towards greater value addition will be encouraged. Let us strive to be a knowledge-building and knowledge-driven society, by turning our literacy levels to real goods and services for our people and beyond,” he said.
The expansion project of Hwange Power Station will increase Hwange's generation capacity from the current 920MW it has been producing from 6units, to 1520MW it will be producing after the addition of two more units, 7 and 8.
The expansion of Hwange follows the addition of 300MW at Kariba South Hydro-power Station.The expansion at Kariba South Hydro-power Station is meant to reduce the power supply deficit and reduce its power import bill as the country seeks to revive its economy
Zimbabwe cleared its arrears with Eskom and is now working on clearing US$52 milllion owed to Mozambican utilities Hodro-electica de Cahora Basa and Electricidade de Mozambique.
Energy is an important factor in the Country's economic blue print and without energy, industry will collapse.
