The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy, led by Chalton Hwende, recently visited the Hwange Power Station to assess the progress of the new Units 7 and 8, as well as the planned refurbishment of Units 1 to 6. This tour highlighted key areas of focus such as project updates, production capabilities, and financial challenges facing the power station.
Project Overview
New Units 7 and 8
The committee received a comprehensive briefing on the recent developments related to Units 7 and 8, which are anticipated to significantly boost the power generation capacity of the station. As of November 2025, the plant is set to generate up to 600 MW, contributing to the national electricity grid.
Refurbishment of Units 1 to 6
In addition to the new units, the refurbishment plans for Units 1 to 6 were also discussed. This initiative aims to enhance the longevity and efficiency of the existing infrastructure, ensuring a stable power supply for the region.
Production Summary
The production outlook for the upcoming years shows promising statistics. The plan for 2025 indicates an operational capacity factor of 93% and an average availability of 84.73%. This performance metric is crucial, particularly as the country grapples with energy shortages.
Operational Milestones
- Unit 7 began commercial operations on July 2, 2023.
- The first commercial operation of Unit 8 is slated for October 6, 2023.
Human Resources and Skills Transfer
A significant aspect of the project involves a structured knowledge transfer framework. An interim team of 43 personnel has been engaged in managing the HESCO (Hwange Electricity Supply Company) operations:
- Local Employment: Currently, 439 employees are involved, with 64% being Zimbabweans.
- Training Initiatives: The framework indicates a robust training progression plan aimed at equipping local staff with operational skills.
Financial Performance and Challenges
Despite the progress, the committee highlighted several financial challenges:
- Low Revenue Collection
- Loan Facility Issues
- Default on Loans
Intervention Strategies
To address these financial woes, several interventions are proposed:
- Lobbying for Government Support: Engaging local authorities and governmental bodies to aid in debt recovery and financial restructuring.
- Operational Adjustments: Strengthening ties with suppliers and improving financial management strategies to mitigate defaults and service providers’ threats.
The visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Energy to Hwange Power Station underscored the critical nature of ongoing and planned projects in Zimbabwe’s energy sector. While advancements in new units and refurbishments promise improved capacity, the accompanying financial hurdles must be effectively tackled to ensure the stability of the energy supply in the region. Continued oversight and support from government entities will be essential in the successful realization of these initiatives.
