12 Independent Power Producers To Be Licensed In 2019 - ZERA

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is set to issue power generation licences to 12 more independent power producers (IPPs) in 2019.

This was revealed by ZERA acting chief executive officer Eddington Mazambani in an interview with Newsday. Said Mazambani:

Eleven independent power producers were licensed in 2018 and about 12 IPPs are expected to be licenced in 2019.

More than 30 IPPs have been licenced over the last 5 years. However, only 8 are currently operating as the tough economic environment currently prevailing in the country has proved an obstacle.

Among the IPPs that are operational is Duru mini hydro (2,20MW), Green Fuel (18,30MW), Nyamhingura Mini Hydro (1,10MW), Hippo Valley Estates (33MW), Triangle Estates (45MW), Pungwe Power Station (19MW).

The government made the decision to licence IPPs as a way of boosting power generation in the country as it has failed to invest in power plants while the demand for power has continued to surge.

The majority of the IPPs are located in the Eastern Districts of the country where the geography is conducive for mini-hydropower plants.

According to ZERA, as of 1 April 2019, the country was producing an average of 1 120 megawatts (MW) of electricity against the national demand of 2 400MW with Kariba generating 711MW, Hwange (375MW), Harare (15MW), Munyati (10MW) and Bulawayo 9MW.

Related:

• ZERA Calls For Scrapping Of Duty On Electric Vehicles
• ZERA Not Accepting New Applications For Licences To Import Fuel
• Govt Will Not Increase Fuel Prices Soon- ZERA

More: Newsday