Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
MANICALAND’S energy sector is poised for transformative growth, driven by a landmark US$600 million investment tabled by South Africa-based Ilinge Energy Automation (Pvt) Ltd to set up a 400-megawatt power plant on a 750-hectare farm in Chimanimani, leveraging its expertise from similar mega-projects in the neighbouring country and Europe.
Another investor, SV Hydro has tabled a bid to set up mini-hydro power stations totalling 37-megawatt along Gairezi, Nyangombe, Pungwe and Odzani rivers as well as Osborne Dam, further diversifying the province’s energy matrix.
Manicaland currently produces about 46-megawatts from Independent Power Producers, falling short of its daily energy demand of 120-megawatts.
However, with these new projects on the cards, the province’s desire to achieve self-sufficiency in energy generation and exports is within reach.
Director for Economic Development in the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya said the province’s energy demands are projected to increase to 200-megawatts over the next three years, driven by growth in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, tourism, and residential sectors.
Mr Rubaya said the proposed 437MW projects will alleviate the power crisis, meet rising energy demands, and transform the province into a net energy exporter.
This will ultimately boost the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He said VS Hydro also plans to establish 37MW mini-hydro power stations along the perennial Gairezi (30MW); Eastern Hydro (1MW) Chimanimani; Odzani (1MW) and Osborne Dam (5MW) Mutasa.
Construction of the one-megawatt hydroelectricity power plant feeding into the national grid at Odzani is estimated to cost US$3,1 million, and the feasibility studies were undertaken by Worley Parsons RSA (Pty) Ltd.
Establishment of mini-hydro power stations at Gairezi (18MW) and Nyangombe (5MW) is expected to cost US$5 million, and VS Hydro has already done the feasibility studies.
“Ilinge Energy Automation (Pvt) Ltd intends to develop a 400MW solar farm in Manicaland under an on-grid project, feeding 400MW into the national grid. We are currently in negotiations with them, and we have identified suitable land of approximately 750 hectares in Chimanimani. A feasibility study has already been conducted on about 20 hectares, and we are considering starting with this smaller area before expanding the project in phases. This is the most significant new solar energy proposal we have. The company has completed similar projects in South Africa, including a 390MW project, as well as other European countries. We plan to visit some of their flagship projects in South Africa to gain confidence in their ability to execute a project of this magnitude.
“Additionally, we have VS Hydro, which proposes to develop mini-hydro projects on Gairezi, Pungwe and Odzani rivers, as well as Osborne Dam, totalling 37MW. These projects will also be on-grid. Currently, Manicaland produces around 46MW from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which comprise a mix of hydro, thermal and solar energy. The solar sector is emerging as a prominent player,” said Mr Rubaya.
Mr Rubaya said Manicaland currently requires about 120MW of power, with the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency.
“Our desire is to be self-sufficient in energy generation and export excess energy to other provinces. We have a comparative advantage, particularly in hydro energy, thanks to our perennial rivers with fast-flowing water through gorges and rapids. By utilising this comparative advantage, we should be able to generate sufficient energy for our province.
“However, considering the rapid industrialisation and new industries setting up in the province, we project that our energy consumption will rise to 200MW within the next two to three years. Therefore, it is crucial that we enhance our energy generation capacity to sustain agriculture, industry, mining, and domestic consumption. With people building new houses, and new settlements coming up, and our accelerated rural electrification programme in line with Vision 2030, we must increase our energy generation capacity as a province.
“We face a significant challenge, and must aggressively pursue solar energy production. Securing the proposed 437MW deals will, not only solve our energy challenges, but also exceed our needs and enable us to export energy to other provinces. This will position us as a net energy exporter, driving provincial GDP growth and positively impacting employment, access to electricity, industry, and irrigation support systems,” he said.
Mr Rubaya said Manicaland will prioritise meeting its own energy needs before exporting to other provinces.
“Power cuts will become a thing of the past in Manicaland. For instance, in Nyanga, they do not experience power cuts like the rest of the province because they generate more electricity than they consume. They have the first right to the electricity, which is what we will enjoy as a province with these deals.
“The current power cuts have severe adverse effects, particularly on agricultural yields and productivity. Most industries are now automated, and when the power supply is cut, the entire system is disrupted. Unlike in the past, when most machines were manual, most machines are now computerised.
Power cuts increase production costs in the long run and can damage equipment.
This situation even deters potential investors, as nobody wants to invest in an area with power deficiencies.
“For industries to operate, they require a reliable power supply, which is why some large industries have resorted to building their own power plants. Look at GreenFuel and Sabi Star Mine; they do not rely on grid electricity. They have constructed their own power plants,” he said.
Mr Rubaya revealed that there are still opportunities for further investment in the energy sector, including Nyangombe (5MW), Odzani (1MW), Gairezi (18MW), Pungwe (9MW), Mutare City Biogas (3MW), Middle Sabi Solar Power (300MW), Nyahode River (7,5MW), Nyanyadzi Solar (10MW); Marange Solar (200MW); Nyanga Solar (10MW), and Nyanga Wind (10MW), among others.
“We are working to improve power generation in the province by attracting serious investors in power generation as above all we need power. We are also enhancing our investment climate by offering incentives.
“Investors should receive serviced land with all utilities, subsidised rates, and water during the construction phase, as well as waived licences and expedited permit processing,” he said.
