Hwange Power Station Reaches Record Output, Offering Temporary Relief to Grid
Business Reporter
Hwange Power Station has recorded its highest output since the completion of its expansion project, generating 498 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in August, according to contractor Power China.
The figure equates to an average of 669 megawatts (MW) per day, reflecting the increasing role of the new units in stabilising Zimbabwe’s electricity supply. Output was 2.5 per cent higher than in July and 5.1 per cent above the same period last year.
Cumulative generation for 2025 now stands at 3.56 billion kWh. Power China described the performance as an important boost to the national grid, which has long been constrained by shortfalls.
The $1.5 billion project, funded largely through Chinese loans, added Units 7 and 8 to Hwange, each with a capacity of 300MW. The expansion has been viewed as crucial in reducing prolonged blackouts that previously lasted up to 18 hours a day.
Zimbabwe’s electricity demand ranges between 1,700MW and 2,000MW at peak, while average output has often hovered near 1,200MW. Hydropower generation from Kariba has been sharply curtailed by low water levels, shifting the burden onto thermal stations.
Analysts note that although Hwange’s improved performance offers short-term relief, the broader power sector remains vulnerable due to ageing infrastructure, arrears owed to regional suppliers, and limited investment in renewable energy.
Government officials say the Hwange expansion is central to stabilising supply in the medium term, while solar projects and further Chinese-backed developments are being considered to help bridge the remaining gap.
