Energy crisis set to worsen
http://www.theindependent.co.zw/
Thursday, 22 April 2010 20:27
ENERGY problems besetting the country are set to worsen for the rest of this month as it emerged yesterday that only one unit at Hwange Thermal Power Station is operational. According to a recent power generation status report, Hwange Power Station is producing a mere 70 Megawatts against an installed capacity of 750 megawatts owing to breakdowns in other five units. Only unit 2 of the power station is operational while others might commence operations by May 1 after massive repairs.
All six units at Kariba Power Station are operational and contribute 735 Megawatts bringing total power output to 805 Megawatts, only 48,5% of what the country needs. This is against a forecasted 1660 Megawatts Zimbabwe needs daily and ought to be producing. Apart from 400 Megawatts being imported from Mozambique’s Hydro Caborra Bassa and Zambia’s Zesco Limited, the country has no other sources of energy.
Other power stations in Harare, Munyati and Bulawayo remain shut. Power outages increased this month throughout the country, especially in residential areas in the capital with some areas going for more than 48
hours without electricity.
Although Zimbabwe is facing an acute energy deficit, it is under obligation to export 150 Megawatts to Namibia after NamPower invested US$50 million into the refurbishment of the troubled at Hwange Power Station.
Last week, Zesa Holdings, the country’s power utility, had to suspend indefinitely the annual maintenance of Kariba Power Station until power generation improves at Hwange.
Chris Muronzi