Zimbabwe is making progress in its efforts to boost energy supplies, with major project Hwange 7 & 8 now 66% complete, according latest official data.

The country has been blighted by power cuts in recent months as energy demand outstrips supply.

Hwange 7 & 8, as well as other energy projects in the pipeline are expected to increase Zimbabwe’s electricity output.

Said Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa this week:

“Minister of Energy and Power and Development Zhemu Soda reported that construction of Units 7 and 8 at the Hwange Power Station is at 66.73% against a target of 91.84%.”

Addressing a post-Cabinet briefing, Minister Mutsvangwa also said the Zimbabwe Zhongxin Electric Project is further far ahead.

“The Zimbabwe Zhongxin Electric Project is overally 98% complete. The power plant design and construction is 100% complete, while the transmission line is at 90% with 1.3 km of the line section remaining for completion by end of June 2021.”

And on the electrification of Kanyemba, she said a total of 17.23 km of a 33 kiloVaults High Voltage line has been completed. An additional survey and wayleave clearance for 7.2 km of the High Voltage line was done.

“Pertaining the Harava Solar Power Plant, installation of the 6 MW Solar Panel has been completed. The evacuation line thereof was completed and the substation equipment is awaiting delivery from China,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“Regarding the Solgas Solar Power Plant, the nation is informed that 5 MW photovoltaic solar panels were installed. Earthing equipment for the power plant was completed, 28 High Voltage Transmission interconnector completed and substation equipment is being delivered from China for installation.”