Prince Mukuna Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Power Company is resuscitating the country’s four thermal power stations using new technology in a move that is expected to increase power output.

The power generating entity operates four thermal power stations which are fired by coal in addition to Kariba Hydro Power Station. The four thermal stations are in Hwange, Bulawayo, Munyati and Harare. ZPC acting managing director Engineer Joshua Chirikutsi yesterday said the new technology included the use of limestone.

“ZPC intends to replace chain grate technology at small thermal power stations with new technology which uses limestone. The purpose of limestone is to control sulphur emissions into the environment. The limestone is fed into the furnace together with the coal,” he said.

Mr Chirikutsi said as of yesterday, Munyati and Bulawayo power stations were producing 18 megawatts. Harare station, he said, was on shutdown and undergoing maintenance. He said ZPC was receiving coal from four different colliery companies daily.

He said Makomo Resources was supplying them with 5 000 tonnes, Hwange Colliery (2 500t), while Zambezi Gas and Coal Zimbabwe were supplying about 700 tonnes. The small thermal power stations are operating as embedded generators — that is power stations which are directly connected to the distribution network, but will be dispatched only to meet supply shortfalls.