Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen domestic electricity generation and improve national energy security have received a boost, with Zhongjin Heli Energy’s Hwange power station increasing its combined output to 218 megawatts following the improved performance of its second generator.
“The development is expected to enhance electricity availability, support industrial production and contribute to the country’s drive towards energy sufficiency by increasing the contribution of locally-generated power to the national electricity supply,” said Zhongjin Heli’s representative.
Generator 2, which was synchronised with the national grid on 23 October at an initial output of 60MW, had increased generation to 118MW by 29 October, representing a 96 percent rise as it continued undergoing commissioning tests.
The unit is expected to increase output further as testing progresses. Phase 2 has an installed capacity of 135MW, with a projected dependable contribution of between 80MW and 120MW to the grid.
The company reported that the generator had remained stable since synchronisation, with no circuit faults recorded.
Energy analyst Matthew Nota applauded the development, noting that increased domestic generation was important in strengthening the national grid.
“Increased domestic generation capacity is critical to reducing reliance on imports, easing pressure on the national grid and providing a more dependable electricity supply for economic activity,” he said.
He noted that investments in additional generation capacity were particularly important for Zimbabwe as it seeks to secure reliable electricity supplies for households, mines, manufacturers and other productive sectors.
The improved performance of Generator 2 builds on the contribution of Generator 1, which has an installed capacity of 100MW and was commissioned in May 2025. The first unit contributes between 60MW and 100MW.
“Together, the two generators supplied a combined 218MW, as at 29 October, marking a significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s domestic electricity generation capacity,” noted the company representative.
“The increased output is also supporting industrial operations in Hwange, with 25MW allocated to Trove Ferrochrome Smelting Company, 30MW to Jianguang Cement Plant and 5MW to the air and coking plant, while the remaining output is earmarked for the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
“The company had also secured critical spare parts, including circuit breakers, earthing equipment and gauge glass, during the week ending October 16, helping to support the plant’s operational stability,” he added.
Zhong Jin Heli Energy, a Chinese-owned company registered in Zimbabwe in 2023, is associated with Trove Ferrochrome and Jianguang Cement Plant.
The growing contribution from the Hwange facility comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue investments in power generation to meet rising electricity demand and strengthen the reliability of national supply.
The development also demonstrates the role of private-sector investment in complementing national power generation efforts, with additional electricity supporting industrial productivity while contributing to broader energy security.
As Zimbabwe pursues its industrialisation and economic development objectives under Vision 2030, sustained investment in generation capacity will remain important in building a resilient energy sector capable of supporting economic growth and improving electricity access.
