THE Government is set to officially commission the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant in the coming months, marking a major milestone in efforts to enhance power generation and industrialisation in Masvingo Province.
The five-megawatt (MW) plant, which began generating electricity in November last year, has already transformed the province’s energy landscape, with Masvingo urban experiencing minimal to zero load-shedding since it became operational.
Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant Manager, Engineer Justice Jangano, confirmed that the plant has been feeding electricity into the national grid under a 25-year power purchase agreement with ZETDC.
“We started generating commercially in November last year and have been feeding the national grid ever since. There have been no challenges so far. Our operations utilise water released by ZINWA for downstream irrigation, which we then use to turn turbines before releasing it for other purposes,” said Engineer Jangano.
He added that the project has already made a significant impact in reducing load-shedding and improving energy efficiency within the province.
“The project has been very impactful across the province, particularly in Masvingo urban, where it has helped reduce load-shedding. It has also minimised transmission losses, as power is utilised close to where it is generated,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, additional projects are underway, including a 15MW hydro-power plant at Tugwi-Mukosi Dam and a proposed 5MW project at Bangala along the Mutirikwi River.
Once completed, these initiatives will see Masvingo Province generating around 25MW, surpassing its local energy requirements and contributing surplus power to the national grid.
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