ZESA Makes Grand Promises as Power Blackouts Intensify
In a dazzling display of optimism, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has unveiled its latest ambitious plans to add a whopping 3,000 MW of capacity, aiming to banish load-shedding and achieve full electricity access by 2030.
Yes, you read that right – by 2030, Zimbabweans might finally be able to switch on their lights without a second thought.
These grandiose projects are supposedly being rolled out in collaboration with Captive Power Projects, Independent Power Producers, and through Public-Private Partnerships.
One can only hope these partnerships are more reliable than the current power grid.
At the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in Victoria Falls, ZESA’s executive chairman, Dr. Sydney Gata, waxed lyrical about the utility’s alignment with the Second Republic’s Vision 2030.
Gata confidently outlined targets to end load-shedding by next year, clear the connection backlog by 2027, and reach universal electricity access by 2030. Ambitious? Certainly. Realistic? Well, that’s another story.
Gata also mentioned plans to stop importing power by 2026 and even start exporting electricity by 2028.
ZESA Makes Grand Promises as Power Blackouts Intensify
Given the current state of affairs, this sounds more like a plot from a science fiction novel than a feasible plan. But hey, who are we to crush dreams?
Addressing investment risks related to capacity, currency, and implementation, Gata emphasised importance of tackling these challenges head-on.
Zimbabwe introduced a cost-reflective tariff in 2020, but currency guarantees are still pending. In other words, the financial stability needed to support these projects is as elusive as ever.
Meanwhile, the country continues to grapple with ongoing power shortages, a situation mirrored by neighbouring Zambia.
Yet, Gata assures us that the 3,000 MW of projects underway are a direct result of government policies and cost-effective technologies.
ZESA Needs $500 Million for Hwange Power Station Revamp
Among the major projects touted are the Zhong Jin Heli project (300 MW), ZZEE (270 MW), and the Titan coal-fired power station (720 MW), all set for completion in 2024. If these projects do come to fruition, it will be nothing short of a miracle.
So, while ZESA’s vision for the future is undoubtedly bright, the reality on the ground remains dim.
