Business Correspondent
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s expanded Hwange Thermal Power Station has set a new monthly generation record, producing 498 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in August 2025, project contractor Power China announced this week.
The output, which translates to a daily average of 669 megawatts, marks a significant milestone for the $1.5 billion expansion project and provides critical relief to the national grid.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Power China hailed the achievement, stating,
“This record output represents critical support for the national grid, easing Zimbabwe’s chronic electricity shortages, and bolstering the country’s economic growth. The cumulative generation for the year now stands at 3.561 billion kWh, demonstrating the project’s vital role.”
The expansion, which added Units 7 and 8, each with a capacity of 300MW, was primarily financed through Chinese loans. The additional 600MW is proving to be a game-changer for a nation that has endured debilitating rolling blackouts for years.
A Ministry of Energy spokesperson welcomed the news, saying,
“The consistent performance of the new units at Hwange is a cornerstone of our strategy to achieve energy stability. This record is a testament to the project’s success and its immediate impact on powering our homes and industries.”
Despite this progress, energy analysts urge caution. One expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted,
“Hwange’s improved output offers essential short-term relief. However, the nation’s ageing transmission infrastructure, significant debt to regional power suppliers, and the need for greater investment in renewable sources remain pressing challenges that require long-term solutions.”
The government has indicated it will continue to rely on the Hwange expansion for medium-term supply stability while fast-tracking solar projects and other investments to close the remaining power deficit.
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