Staff Reporter
Hwange Power Station’s Unit 8 is back in operation, adding 300 megawatts (MW) to Zimbabwe’s national grid and alleviating power shortages that had disrupted households and businesses. The development marks a major step forward in the country’s efforts to stabilize electricity supply.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) spokesperson George Manyaya confirmed the restoration, saying, “The successful return of Unit 8 to the grid is a significant achievement for our energy sector. It demonstrates our engineers’ dedication to resolving technical issues and ensuring consistent power availability.”
Hwange Power Station, Zimbabwe’s largest thermal power plant, has faced significant operational challenges due to aging infrastructure and ongoing maintenance needs. Units 7 and 8, commissioned in recent years to expand the station’s capacity, have become critical contributors to the grid, each capable of producing 300 MW.
Manyaya emphasized the positive impact of Unit 8’s return: “This development will not only ease the burden of load shedding but also support economic growth by providing industries with a more reliable electricity supply. It’s a game-changer for our national energy outlook.”
The restoration has been met with widespread approval from citizens and analysts.
Energy expert Tendai Makumbe highlighted the importance of the development, stating, “Hwange Unit 8’s return is a testament to the strides being made to address Zimbabwe’s energy challenges. Reliable power is fundamental for productivity, investment, and overall national progress.”
Harare resident Nyasha Gondo also welcomed the news, saying, “Electricity is a critical part of our daily lives. Knowing that power outages will reduce, gives us hope that things are improving.”
Government has outlined additional plans to enhance the country’s power supply. These include the repowering of older Hwange units to increase their output, promoting renewable energy projects, and collaborating with independent power producers. Such initiatives are designed to address the persistent gap between supply and the national demand, which stands at around 1,800 MW.
The recommissioning of Unit 8 underscores the country’s commitment to overcoming its energy challenges. With this achievement, Zimbabweans are looking forward to more stable electricity supply and the broader economic benefits that come with it.
