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Minister of Energy and Power Development Zhemu Soda has advised the Southern African Pool (SAPP) to consider taking 2017 SAAP Pool plan in order to alleviate Electricity supply challenges in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Speaking during the official opening of the SAPP offices in Harare, Monday the Minister emphasised that they are solutions to all the challenges faced by SAAP.
“The challenges facing the SAPP are not beyond solutions, the region can save up to thirty-seven (37) billion USD if coordinated planning is followed as per the estimate of the SAPP Pool Plan of 2017. SAPP is also working on the Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Facility with the objective of unlocking transmission constraints and promoting the financing and development of new transmission infrastructure. The proposal is an innovative approach of how regional interconnectors can be accelerated.
He further highlighted the working progress of the Mozambique-Malawi Interconnector that will be completed in 2024.
“As Ministers Responsible for Energy in the SADC Region we look forward to the interconnection of the three remaining countries namely Angola, Malawi and Tanzania. I am glad to report that the construction of the Mozambique-Malawi Interconnector is in progress and should be completed in 2024. The interconnection of these three countries will result in the region benefitting fully from the optimal use of resources resulting in significant cost savings.
“Zimbabwe sits at the Centre of the Southern African Power Pool as it is interconnected to all its neighbours. Zimbabwe is facilitating the wheeling of power and supporting the activities of the SAPP Day Ahead Market.
Soda further revealed that 300 MW will be commissioned during the first quarter of 2023.
“In Zimbabwe we have several generation projects that are under construction and in the planning stage. The commissioning of a three hundred (300 MW) Mega Watt unit number seven (7) at Hwange Power Station is underway and should be available in November 2022.
“The last three hundred (300 MW) Mega Watt unit will be commissioned during the first quarter of 2023. This new project will significantly improve the power supply situation in Zimbabwe. The electricity demand in Zimbabwe is driven by a resurgence of mining activities and demand is growing,” he said.
The Minister went on to congratulate SAAP for opening their offices.
“Today we are gathered here to witness the official opening of the New Offices. I would like to congratulate the leadership of SAPP in making a bold decision to have the SAPP Coordination Centre have its own offices, hence the construction and commissioning of this facility. The initiative to have the solar carport is also fully supported and resonates well with the green energy moto. The Region has abundant solar energy, and we need to make use of it.”
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