Power sector surpasses H1 targets
CLOUDINE MATOLA
Zimbabwe’s energy sector outperformed its first-half 2026 targets, with cumulative Energy Sent Out rising 7.8% above target to 4,774.2GWh, driven by higher domestic electricity generation, strategic power imports and ongoing sector reforms, Business Times can report.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the sector recorded significant improvements in electricity generation, supply and availability during the six months to June.
“The energy sector recorded strong performance during the period January to June 2026, with significant improvements in electricity generation, supply and availability,” Professor Ncube said.
“ Overall, sector performance was underpinned by improved local electricity generation, strategic power imports, enhanced participation in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) electricity market and continued implementation of Government reforms aimed at strengthening energy security and attracting private sector investment.As a result, cumulative Energy Sent Out reached 4,774.2GWh against a target of 4,430.1GWh, representing performance that was 7.8% above target.”
The country’s net-metering programme also exceeded expectations during the review period. Cumulative installed net-metering capacity reached 92MW, while 19.8MW was commissioned against a target of 16.7MW, reflecting growing uptake of distributed renewable energy systems.
The improved power supply also translated into a sharp reduction in load shedding.
Professor Ncube attributed the gains to improved generation at the Hwange and Kariba power stations, the commissioning of new generating capacity, strategic electricity imports, enhanced regional power trading through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and improved system operations.
“The improved performance resulted in a significant reduction in load shedding, with the country experiencing extended periods of uninterrupted electricity supply,” Professor Ncube said.
“This was largely attributable to improved generation performance at Hwange and Kariba Power Stations, new capacity installed, strategic electricity imports, optimisation of regional power trading through SAPP, improved system operations and energy dispatch, and the prioritisation of domestic electricity demand.”
To sustain the momentum, Government has continued implementing reforms aimed at attracting investment into the energy sector, including streamlining licensing processes, reducing regulatory fees and strengthening the regulatory framework.
The sector also received US$1.1m in development partner support to facilitate financing for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and accelerate the expansion of renewable energy generation.
Private sector investment continued to gather pace, highlighted by the commissioning of the 70MW Prospect Lithium Thermal Power Plant and progress on several large-scale IPP projects.
These include the 135MW Zhongjin Heli, 50MW Prestige Massive, both of which are more than 90% complete, and Phase One of the 60MW Sunny Jin Long project, which is about 70% complete.
“Private sector participation in electricity generation continued to grow through the successful commissioning of the 70MW Prospect Lithium Thermal Power Plant and continued progress on several Independent Power Producer projects, including Zhongjin Heli (135MW), Prestige Massive (50MW), which are over 90% complete, and Sunny Jin Long (Phase 1–60MW), which is 70% complete,” Ncube said.
