Residents of Norton have expressed concerns about plans by Sunny Yi Feng, one of the largest tile manufacturers in Southern Africa, to build a 210MW thermal power station in their area.
Earlier this month, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) announced that Sunny Yi Feng had applied to install a 20MW solar plant at its factory.
However, the company needs more power than the solar plant can provide, which is why it plans to build a much larger 210MW thermal power station. This plan has faced opposition from local residents.
Sunny Yi Feng produces over 35,000 square metres of tiles and 40,000 pieces of kitchenware daily, serving both local and international markets.
To address Zimbabwe’s unreliable power supply, the company wants to generate its own electricity.
However, Sunny Yi Feng’s proposal has faced resistance in other areas as well, such as its plan to mine coal in the Sinamatella area of Hwange National Park. Zimbabwe’s Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has opposed the mining proposal.
A report by a consultant hired by Sunny Yi Feng found that Norton residents are concerned about the environmental impact, especially air pollution from burning coal.
They worry that emissions could lead to respiratory diseases, cancer, and other health issues. There’s also concern that pollution could affect nearby water bodies, including Lake Chivero and Darwendale Dam.
Sunny Yi Feng, through its energy arm Sunny Jin Long Energy, insists that it has the technology to manage these risks.
The company plans to use emission control systems, and dust filters, and repurpose fly ash from coal as a material for making cement.
Despite these assurances, local residents are questioning why the company is opting for coal instead of renewable energy sources.
Sunny Yi Feng says it doesn’t have enough space for a large solar plant because generating 210MW from solar would need around 1,000 hectares, but the company only has 29 hectares available.
The company also claims that hydropower isn’t a viable option due to a lack of water in the area. They argue that coal-fired power is a more reliable option because it can provide continuous power, unlike solar and wind, which depend on weather conditions.
More: <a href="https://newzwire.live/green-vs-black-after-hwange-norton-residents-resist-tile-giants-coal-power-plant/">newZWire</a>

Pindula News

Residents in Norton are worried about a big company building a coal power plant in their area. The company, Sunny Yi Feng, wants to make its own electricity because there are power shortages in Zimbabwe. But people are concerned about pollution from burning coal and how it can harm their health and water. The company says they have ways to control pollution, but residents wonder why they don't use renewable energy like solar instead of coal. Sunny Yi Feng says they don't have enough space for solar or water for hydropower, so coal is the best option for reliable power.

Norton Residents Resist Sunny Yi Feng's 210MW Coal Power Plant Plans

President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 720MW coal thermal power plant, developed by Titan New Energy in partnership with ZESA Holdings in Hwange.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/president-launches-us1bn-energy-plant/">The Herald</a>, Titan Energy has invested US$1 billion in the 720MW Phase 1 project, along with plans for an additional 200MW solar plant to be constructed in Gweru as part of Phase 2.
Construction is set to begin immediately, with some units expected to be operational by the end of next year.
The Hwange power station will utilise lower-quality coal from mining operations that would otherwise go to waste.
In his keynote address at the event on Monday, November 02, Mnangagwa said that electricity is essential for industrialization and plays a critical role in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. He said:
<blockquote>
It gives me great pleasure to officiate at this ground-breaking ceremony for the power plant projects by Titan New Energy, Dinson and Afrochine.
This marks another milestone in our country’s journey towards modernisation, industrialisation and sustainable socio-economic development, anchored on a robust energy sector.
Electricity is the lifeblood of industrialisation and is critical for our mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, among others…
The Titan Thermal Power Plant being embarked upon will see the remarkable generation of 720MW, whilst Afrochine will contribute 100MW through a solar PV project in Selous.
Furthermore, the same investors from Titan will undertake the Jinan 200MW solar power plant in Gweru. These projects are expected to be completed by December 2025.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa said local communities in Hwange, Chivhu, and Selous should benefit more from investment projects by creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and facilitating skills transfer and development.
He urged investors to fully integrate environmental, social, and governance considerations into their projects, promoting a comprehensive approach to development.
The President also condemned the vandalism of electricity infrastructure and called for swift action against those responsible.
The new 720MW project is part of the agreements reached during President Mnangagwa’s recent visit to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Titan New Energy partnered with ZESA to build a big power plant in Hwange. They are investing a lot of money into this project. The plant will use coal that would have been wasted otherwise. The President is happy about this and says electricity is important for different industries. He also wants the local communities to benefit from this project. Construction will start soon and some units will be ready by next year. The President also wants the investors to consider the environment and take action against those who damage electricity infrastructure.

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