The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura Business Correspondent
OSBORNE Dam and Odzani mini-hydro projects in Manicaland are part of the nine renewable energy projects being spearheaded by the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ).
The two projects, upon completion, are expected to feed significant megawatts to the national grid.
The IDBZ projects encompass solar energy generation across the country such as the Rufaro Solar Farm (50mw) in Marondera, Sable Solar Farm (50mw) in Kwekwe, Gutu Solar Farm (20mw), Plumtree Solar Project (10mw), Bulilima Solar Project (50mw), NUST Solar Projects (55mw) and Gwayi Solar Project (50mw).
The Osborne mini-hydro is expected to generate 1,7mw of electricity while the capacity of the Odzani projects is yet to be confirmed.
The coming on board of the two projects marks a positive development in the province that boasts of several perennial rivers and big dams that have lying idle, yet could be turned into sources of renewable energy and help to address the crippling power outages besieging the nation.
In a press statement inviting potential partners for the hydro projects IDBZ said it is looking for reputable investors with traceable records in the development, financing, construction or installation of renewable energy plants.
“Cognisance of the critical role energy plays as a key enabler in economic and social development, the bank is focused on promoting increase of capacity in energy generation in the country. The bank’s thrust in the energy generation sub-sector is to also broaden the overall national energy matrix with emphasis on renewable energy.
“In line with green energy and climate smart initiatives, the bank is currently working with various Independent Power Producers to prepare projects to bankability. The proposed initiatives are expected to plug the energy supply gap in the country, guarantee long-term energy self-sufficiency at the same time saving the scarce foreign currency used to import power from regional utilities.
“Osborne Mini Hydro Project entails the development and construction of a 1,7mw plant at Osborne Dam. The project will help optimise economic benefits from the dam by generating clean energy for irrigation purposes and supplying the national grid. Feasibility studies were carried out and the project is now at is now at fundraising stage for project implementation.
“Odzani Mini Hydro Project will utilise the existing water canals and weirs at Odzani River which were previously used for hydro power generation.
“The project scope entails rehabilitation of weirs, penstocks, canals and construction of a powerhouse at a decommissioned power generation site. Power generated from the project will be fed into the national grid. The project is currently at planning stage,” read part of the IDBZ statement.
