Martin Muleya
PENHALONGA-Nestled in the scenic Penhalonga area of Manicaland province, the Odzani Power Station is making waves in Zimbabwe’s energy sector.
This mini hydro-electric power plant is generating one megawatt of electricity, enough to power approximately 400 homes. The impact of this project extends beyond the power station itself, bringing benefits to local families and contributing to the nation’s energy needs.
Families living in the surrounding areas of the power station have experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Odzani Power station senior operator Gashirai Nyandoro indicated that “the project has employed over 80 locals during construction and currently has ten full-time employees. This creation of jobs and income into the local economy has had a positive ripple effect, benefitting families and contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The power station harnesses the energy of perennial rivers in Penhalonga, providing a sustainable source of electricity. The generated electricity is fed into the national grid, helping to alleviate power shortages,” he said.
With Harare requiring 300 megawatts and Mutare needing 250 megawatts, every bit counts. The Odzani Power station’s contribution may seem small, but it represents a step in the right direction towards increasing Zimbabwe’s energy generation capacity.
ZERA’s research and energy efficiency engineer Victor Sibanda highlighted that the power generation process at Odzani was a remarkable feat of engineering. Water is held and directed into a canal, flowing into the Forben tank and then directed into the Penstep pipes. The water drives turbines which rotate at 1000 revolutions per minute, generating electricity in the powerhouse and control room.
As Zimbabwe continues to develop and grow, initiatives like the Odzani Power station will play a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy needs. With its benefits to local communities, job creation and contribution to the national grid, this mini hydroelectric power plant is a shining example of progress in action.
