Staff Reporter

Investors have been encouraged to take advantage of the rising energy demand in the country which came as a result of the rapid growth of the country’s economy.

A source at Zimbabwe Transmition and Distribution Company (ZETDC) said that investors should take advantage of the high demand for electricity in Zimbabwe. According to the source, Greenfield Investments and other new companies preparing to start operations require 2350 MW whilst domestic electricity applications awaiting connections have reached 350 000.

“Both local and foreign investors should highly consider investing in power production entities. The rapid requirements of electricity due to the fast growing industrial sector have created space for other players to come in and provide the much needed electricity.

“Greenfield Investments and other companies who are on the ground preparing to start operations have made power applications of 2350 MW once they are ready to start production. We also have Denson Steel and Iron Company in Manhidze which requires 500MW. Our domestic applications currently stand at 350 000 thus translating to approximately 40% of the already serviced 850 000 customers. There is no doubt that these demands will only get higher,” said the source.

The Second Republic is currently seized with various power production projects which include Hwange Power Expansion of Plants 7 and 8 with a production capacity of 600 MW when completed.  Hwange Power Plant 7 is due to be commissioned on 30 November 2022. Another Power project, Hwange Life Extension Power Project is expected to produce another 500MW.

Government has also invested in solar energy at Harava solar project in Seke and another in Gwanda Matebeleland South. Both of the plants will produce a total of 120 MW.

 Other projects Government will soon give attention to, include Bulawayo repowering project which will produce 60 MW, and the Batoka Hydro Power Project which will also produce 1 200MW.

Despite the various power stations put in place by the Second Republic, the rapid growth of industrial, mining and agricultural sectors continue to expand due to sound and fluid policies implemented by the Government.