Centragrid starts work on phase 3 to reach 100WM o...

Centragrid starts work on phase 3 to reach 100WM output

Patience Muchemwa

Zim Now Reporter

After adding 23MW capacity in phase 2 to take the total output to 25MW, Nyabira based Centragrid is now focused on developing the final phase to reach its target 100MW capacity.

Feasibility studies have been completed, land for the expansion secured and work is expected to start next year.

Speaking to journalists from China and Zimbabwe during a recent media tour, CEO, Victor Utedzi said solar is pivotal role in addressing Zimbabwe’s chronic power shortages.

"The country is facing a serious power crisis, and we are determined to contribute to the solution,” said Utedzi.

He said the government’s target of increasing electricity generation by a substantial 4000 megawatts by 2030 positioned Centragrid as a key player in achieving this goal.

Centragrid was commissioned with a 2MW output on August 1, 2019 and is now working on its third phase which will see it output jump to substantial 100 megawatts.

The US$60m investment is being developed by Sinohydro. Sinohydro project manager for Centragrid Mr Liu Yachen said a lot of skills transfer has occurred as Chinese and Zimbabwean staffers work together on different projects around the country.

He said at the peak of the project, employed about 400 locals and about 10 Chinese experts and more opportunities will come up as the third phase takes off.

Other Chinese projects in the power sector include the Kariba Hydropower upgrade that increased capacity to 1050MW. However output is low due to depleted water levels due to the El Nino induced drought.

Unit 7 and 8 at Hwange have added another 600MW to the national grid.

Ongoing refurbishment of the existing units is expected to increase sustainable power supplies as current output is currently hampered by obsolete systems and frequent breakouts.