Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
THE Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Project, which began feeding electricity into the national grid in 2024 is playing a key role in strengthening Zimbabwe’s energy sector and advancing government’s renewable energy agenda.
Situated at Lake Mutirikwi in Masvingo Province, the US$14.6 million project was first conceptualised in 2010 and became operational on 13 November 2024.
The facility is one of the country’s emerging clean energy investments aimed at boosting electricity generation through sustainable water resources.
Built adjacent to existing dam infrastructure, the mini-hydro station utilises the controlled release of irrigation water to drive turbines, producing power that supports irrigation systems, water pumping and domestic electricity needs.
The project coordinator, Mr Hubert Chipfumbu, said the facility has an installed capacity of five megawatts, which is supplied to the national grid through the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).
“We are a five-megawatt mini-hydro power plant, and all the electricity generated is fed into the national grid through ZETDC,” he said.
Mr Chipfumbu explained that the project operates under non-consumptive water use agreements with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), as well as land-use agreements involving ZINWA and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
He added that Masvingo Town is the nearest major load centre and is already benefiting from improved power availability.
“Masvingo Town has seen improved power reliability for its water pumping stations. If the entire five megawatts were dedicated to the town alone, it would be enough to supply approximately 8 000 households,” he said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, said the province is positioning itself as a major contributor to national power generation, given its abundant water resources.
“Masvingo Province holds more than 54 percent of Zimbabwe’s dammed water. The completion of the first phase of the Great Zimbabwe Hydro has already added five megawatts to the national grid,” he said.
Honourable Chadzamira added that further energy projects are underway, including the second phase of the Great Zimbabwe Hydro and a hydropower development at Tugwi Mukosi Dam, expected to generate more than 17 megawatts.
“These projects will not only meet provincial energy needs but will also contribute significantly to the national grid and economic growth,” he said.
In his State of the Nation Address during the opening of the Third Session of the 10th Parliament, President Emmerson Mnangagwa reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding power generation through diversified energy sources.
The President said the commissioning of new power plants, independent power producers and energy parks is increasing electricity supply while supporting value addition, job creation and economic growth.
“The commissioning of new power plants and independent power producers is increasing electricity supply while supporting value addition, job creation and economic growth,” the President said
He also highlighted ongoing investments in rural electrification, climate resilience and integrated water resource management, saying these initiatives are critical in improving energy access while responding to climate change challenges.
Government continues to scale up energy generation through hydropower developments at major dams across the country, in line with the Second Republic’s vision of inclusive development and the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
