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.

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