Energy and Power Development Minister, Zhemu Soda says Hwange 7 and 8 expansion project is expected to add 600MW into the national grid.
The project involves construction of two units of 300MW each, adding to the existing 920MW Hwange Power Station at a cost of US$1,5 billion.
Speaking during an event to commission the Old Mutual Solar Plant, Minister Soda said economic growth is based on the relative energy supply improvement.
“There is no way the economy will grow without growth in electricity supply, therefore, we are anticipating increased generation at Hwange Power Station with the Hwange 7 and 8 expansion project expected on the grid by July and the other one in September 2022,” he said.
He added that the government had made efforts in creating a conducive environment for renewable energy sources and in 2020, President Mnangagwa launched the Renewable energy policy, which is key to the attainment of vision 2030.
“Through this policy, my Ministry will continue to incentivize investments in the renewable energy space through tax holidays, duty free importation, the policy aims to achieve at least 27 percent of internal power generation coming from renewable resources by 2030.
“Our goal is to ensure every Zimbabwean has sufficient reliable energy whether on-grid or off-grid. While traditionally, businesses have been attracted to diesel powered generation, we have identified renewable energy options and the most preferred option is solar which can be stored on roof top or car pots,” he said.
Minister Soda said through the Rural Electrification Fund, there has been installation of 400 solar mini grids in schools between 2005, and 2014.
“The majority will be upgraded from 0,84 KW to 85, or 10 kw depending on institutions, 347 primary schools, 57, secondary schools, and 10 government institutions will be covered under this upgrade programme which will be running between the year 2021 to 2025,” said Soda.
