A newly built unit at the Hwange power plant in Zimbabwe is set to start operating.

The addition to the coal-fired power plant is expected to increase the installed capacity by more than 14% to 2 400 MW, Reuters reports. Hwange is the largest coal-fired power station in the country, currently comprising four 120 MW and two 220 MW units. The site delivers about 40% of Zimbabwe’s electricity needs.

Magna Mudyiwa, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, says the new development will provide relief to millions of citizens struggling with recent power outages.

Less than half of the country has access to electricity spurred by a global curb on funding for coal-fired capacity. Demand for electricity in Zimbabwe is about 1 700 MW.

28 February 2023
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