President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 720MW coal thermal power plant developed by Titan New Energy in partnership with ZESA Holdings in Hwange.
This significant project aims to alleviate Zimbabwe’s ongoing power crisis and enhance the nation’s energy self-sufficiency.
Major Investment in Energy Infrastructure
According to reports from The Herald, Titan New Energy has invested US$1 billion into this Phase 1 project, which will generate 720MW of electricity.
Additionally, plans are in place for a 200MW solar plant to be constructed in Gweru as part of Phase 2.
Construction is set to begin immediately, with some units expected to be operational by the end of next year.
The Hwange power station will utilize lower-quality coal from local mining operations that would otherwise go to waste, maximizing resource efficiency while contributing to energy generation.
Electricity: A Key Driver of Economic Growth
In his keynote address at the ceremony on November 2, Mnangagwa emphasized the critical role of electricity in driving industrialization and supporting key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He stated:
“It gives me great pleasure to officiate at this groundbreaking ceremony for the power plant projects by Titan New Energy, Dinson, and Afrochine. This marks another milestone in our country’s journey towards modernization, industrialization, and sustainable socio-economic development anchored on a robust energy sector.”
The president highlighted that the Titan Thermal Power Plant will significantly contribute to generating 720MW, while Afrochine will add an additional 100MW through a solar PV project in Selous.
Furthermore, Titan will also undertake the Jinan 200MW solar power plant in Gweru, with all projects expected to be completed by December 2025.
Community Benefits and Environmental Considerations
Mnangagwa urged that local communities in Hwange, Chivhu, and Selous should benefit from these investment projects through job creation and economic stimulation.
He stressed the importance of integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into development projects to promote sustainable growth.
The president also condemned vandalism of electricity infrastructure and called for swift action against those responsible for such acts.
Strategic Agreements with China
The new 720MW project is part of agreements reached during President Mnangagwa’s recent visit to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
This partnership not only strengthens Zimbabwe’s energy capacity but also underscores its commitment to enhancing international collaboration in addressing energy challenges.
As Zimbabwe embarks on this ambitious energy initiative, the Titan New Energy project represents a significant leap towards achieving energy security and fostering economic growth across various sectors.
With these developments on the horizon, Zimbabwe is poised for a brighter future powered by reliable energy sources.
