Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Showbiz | Your Daily Dose of Zimbabwean Entertainment News & Celebrity BuzzShowbiz | Your Daily Dose of Zimbabwean Entertainment News & Celebrity Buzz

Business

Zimbabwe Attracts Global Bids for Large-Scale Electricity Storage Facilities

Several global companies

Several global companies have submitted bids to construct three large-scale energy storage facilities in Zimbabwe.

These systems will store excess electricity produced during low-demand periods and supply it back to the grid during peak usage.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, announced that the planned facilities will have a combined capacity of 1,800 megawatts. This initiative is part of the country’s efforts to address ongoing electricity shortages caused by insufficient output from major power stations.

Zimbabwe’s energy crisis has been exacerbated by reduced water levels at Lake Kariba, impacting generation at the Kariba hydroelectric plant, and frequent technical failures at the Hwange Thermal Power Plant.

“The project involves establishing three 600MW battery storage facilities at Munyati, Harare, and Insukamini power stations, utilizing existing grid connections,” a ZETDC official revealed.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“These systems will supply power during peak hours and nighttime to supplement current generation.”

The bidding process has attracted significant international interest, particularly from Chinese firms.

Energy experts have hailed the introduction of utility-scale battery storage as a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s power grid.

“Countries like Australia, the U.S., and Germany have successfully implemented similar technologies,” explained engineer Tinashe Rushwaya.

“For example, South Australia’s Hornsdale Power Reserve, often called the Tesla Big Battery, has proven how battery systems can stabilize grids, store renewable energy, and supply power during peak demand.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Related Stories:

.ZERA Announces Stable Fuel Prices for January 2025

.Gold Investors Remain Optimistic for 2025 Amid Fears of Trump-Driven Market Volatility

The ZETDC plans to integrate the battery systems with existing infrastructure at the selected power stations. By charging the batteries during off-peak hours, the stored energy will be available during high-demand periods, reducing dependency on conventional power plants and expensive, polluting diesel generators.

“These battery systems offer unmatched flexibility,” added Rushwaya.

“They can instantly respond to changes in supply and demand, ensuring a more stable power supply. They also facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, which are inherently variable.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

This initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s renewable energy goals, including a target to achieve 2,100MW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The battery systems will complement ongoing solar and wind projects, boosting their reliability and contribution to the grid.

ZESA Holdings executive chairman, Dr. Sydney Gata, emphasized the urgency of addressing the power crisis during an August 2024 press conference. He announced plans for the 1,800MWh battery storage system, which aims to alleviate load-shedding.

“The system will deliver 600MWh during morning and evening peaks for three hours each, significantly reducing load-shedding while enhancing grid operations,” Dr. Gata stated.

Analysts believe the success of this project could set a precedent for future investments in advanced energy solutions. If effectively implemented, it promises a more resilient, sustainable, and secure energy sector for Zimbabwe.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

ABOUT US

 

ShowBiz Zimbabwe

Dive into the world of Zimbabwean entertainment with Showbiz! We deliver the latest news on your favorite celebrities, musicians, actors, and everything in between.

Email: editor@showbiz.co.zw

Advertisement

You May Also Like

Advertisement