IPPs on course to deliver 635MW 

Source: IPPs on course to deliver 635MW – herald

Rutendo Nyeve

Victoria Falls Reporter

PRIVATE power producers, mining companies and independent developers are increasingly taking centre stage in Zimbabwe’s electricity turnaround, with more than 600MW of new generation capacity now under construction and hundreds more megawatts in the pipeline.

Speaking during a Parliament Public Accounts Committee visit to Hwange Power Station on Saturday, ZESA Holdings acting chief executive Engineer Cletus Nyachowe said private players are augmenting the national grid across generation, transmission and distribution, moving the country towards ending load shedding and power imports.

“Zhongjin Heli, a private CPP, has already commissioned Phase 1 (100MW). Their Phase 2, targeting another 135MW by September 2026 is now 45 percent complete. Civil works and equipment installation are in progress at their Hwange site,” he said.

Eng Nyachowe also spoke of other private coal-fired projects.

“Sunny Jinlong’s 90MW thermal plant near Norton is at 35 percent, with designs approved. Factory acceptance tests will be held in China in May 2026. The initial 60MW of plant works is already 70 percent done,” he said.

On the solar front, private developers are equally active.

“Mapanzure 50MW Solar, a China‑Zim CPP project, is 70 percent complete. Commissioning is planned for June 2026. Zimplats, a major mining house, has 35MW of its 80MW solar project already commissioned. The remaining 45MW is at 45 percent after successful FATs in China.”

Eng Nyachowe also noted that Power Ventures, another private player, resumed its 25MW solar project near Victoria Falls two months ago and it is now 85 percent complete.

He said private capital is also flowing into grid infrastructure.

“Under a Bridging Finance Agreement with Bulawayo Mining Company, the Springs 20/30MVA transformer project is at 45 percent. Design reviews are underway and contractor mobilisation is being finalised,” said Eng Nyachowe.

“At Hwange Local, Zambezi Gas and Coal Mining Company is funding the installation of 88kV and 33kV bay equipment for an existing 20MVA transformer under another BFA. That project is at 25 percent – specifications have been submitted to the client,” he said.

Eng Nyachowe said the Blanket Mine 132kV project is entirely driven by private mine demand.

“We are constructing 26km of 132kV line from Gwanda substation to Blanket Mine’s new substation, complete with a 50/75MVA transformer. Tender adjudication is done; appointment of the EPC contractor happens in May 2026,” he said.

Eng Nyachowe said Sandawana Mine is financing a two‑phase project.

“A draft TCA has been sent to the client. Phase 2 – a 132kV line from Tokwe to Zvishavane will commence after a financing agreement between ZETDC and the client is finalised,” he said.

On the Karo Projects, Eng Nyachowe said its own demand is driving the installation of a 175MVA transformer at Selous and a 35km 132kV line to their new substation. Works are 65 percent complete, with expected commissioning in the third quarter.

Eng Nyachowe said there are additional private solar developments that include Houyontong (Bijou) 100MW Solar Plant, which is at 45 percent complete with design reviews underway, while power plant construction has commenced.

They will connect via a 0.2km 132kV cable to Chertsey substation.

“Total private‑led construction in progress now stands at 635MW. Another 730MW is concluding financial close, most of it from independent and captive power producers. That gives us 1,365MW of new capacity by December 2026. By December 2027, we target zero power imports,” said Eng Nyachowe.

“Private players are no longer waiting on the sidelines. They are building power plants, funding substations and laying transmission lines. This is a genuine public‑private partnership transforming our energy sector.”