Water To Watts, Potential Clean Energy For Manicaland & Zimbabwe

By Shingirai Vambe

Zimbabwe, a country with a rich history and abundant natural resources, is facing a pressing challenge in its power sector. The country’s energy demands are increasing, but the supply is struggling to keep pace, resulting in frequent power outages and disruptions to economic activity. This power crisis is not only a technical issue but also a symptom of broader challenges related to climate change, investment policies, and sustainable development.

Climate change is having a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s energy landscape. The country is experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, which are affecting the output of its hydroelectric power plants. This has increased the country’s reliance on thermal power plants, which are not only more expensive but also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

To address the power crisis, Zimbabwe needs to adopt a multifaceted approach that prioritizes sustainable solutions. One key area of focus is investment in renewable energy. Zimbabwe has significant potential for solar and wind power, and investing in these sources could help reduce the country’s dependence on thermal power and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The government has made some progress in promoting renewable energy, with initiatives such as the development of solar parks and the promotion of private sector investment in renewable energy projects.

In a bid to address sustainability challenges, with the help and support from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) Old Mutual told this publication that it has adopted a Responsible Business Framework that guides its operations and investments. This framework is built on strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, which prioritize clean, reliable, and inclusive growth for communities and the economy. As part of this commitment, Old Mutual has been actively investing in renewable energy projects across Zimbabwe, contributing to the country’s transition towards a more sustainable energy mix.

“One of Old Mutual’s flagship renewable energy investments is the Kupinga Hydropower Station, a 1.6 MW run-of-river hydroelectric plant located in Manicaland. Developed in partnership with local investors, this strategic project aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 objective of achieving 2,100 MW of installed renewable energy capacity, contributing 26.5% of the nation’s total electricity mix,” said Old Mutual Zimbabwe.

The Kupinga Hydropower Station is a model for scalable, environmentally responsible energy solutions in Zimbabwe and across the region. Since its official commissioning in August 2016, the plant has been supplying enough power to meet the needs of approximately 2,400 households annually. With a total investment of USD 5.1 million, Kupinga demonstrates Old Mutual’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, national energy security, and climate-resilient development.

The plant’s impact extends beyond the energy sector, enhancing the quality of life for communities in the surrounding areas. Access to electricity from Kupinga has provided reliable energy for households, businesses, and essential services, while creating sustained technical and operational employment opportunities. The project has also played a pivotal role in developing local skills in renewable energy management, particularly among the youth and professionals in the region.

As a run-of-river facility, Kupinga harnesses the natural flow of the Rusitu river, avoiding the need for large-scale damming and preserving the local ecosystem. This approach minimizes environmental impact, ensuring that the project is both efficient and sustainable.

“Old Mutual’s investment in renewable energy projects is not limited to Kupinga. The company has a portfolio of projects across Zimbabwe, including the Solgas Cross Mabale solar power plant, the Richaw Solar Project, Centragrid’s 25 MW grid-connected photovoltaic solar plant, and the Great Zimbabwe Hydro project. These projects demonstrate Old Mutual’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s transition towards a more sustainable energy mix, while contributing to the country’s economic growth and development,” added Old Mutual Zimbabwe.

By investing in renewable energy, Old Mutual is not only reducing Zimbabwe’s dependence on fossil fuels but also supporting the country’s commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s efforts are aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 objectives and the Paris Agreement, underscoring its dedication to sustainable development and climate-resilient growth.

However, more needs to be done to create an enabling environment for investment in renewable energy. This includes developing clear policies and regulations, providing incentives for investors, and investing in infrastructure such as transmission lines and grid connections.

Another critical area of focus is energy efficiency.

Engineer Tendai Marowa told the Post On Sunday that, Zimbabwe can learn from best practices in energy efficiency and implement measures to reduce energy waste and promote sustainable consumption.

“This could be initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances, smart grids, and energy-efficient buildings with the help of ZERA,” said Marowa

“Investment policies also play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s power sector. The country needs to attract foreign investment to finance its energy projects, but it must also ensure that these investments are sustainable and beneficial to the local economy. This requires careful planning and regulation to ensure that investments align with the country’s development goals and do not compromise its environmental and social sustainability,” added Marowa.

The Zimbabwean government has implemented various initiatives to attract foreign investment, including the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA), which provides a one-stop shop for investors. However, more needs to be done to ensure that these investments are sustainable and contribute to the country’s long-term development goals.

The international community and the region has already shown positive interest in investing in partnership for clean energy investments.

“Imagine a Zimbabwe where businesses can operate without interruption, where households can power their homes without worrying about blackouts, and where industries can grow and flourish. This vision can become a reality with the right investments in the energy sector. However, regulatory reform is another critical step that the government must take. By simplifying permitting processes, standardizing contracts, and creating predictable regulatory timelines, the government can create a more attractive environment for investors. This will help to stimulate growth and innovation in the energy sector, attracting new players and ideas that can help drive the country’s energy future,” added Marowa