In November this year, history was made as President Emmerson Mnangagwa presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pomona Waste to Energy (WTE) project, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to address waste management challenges and embrace sustainable energy solutions.
Also known as the Harare Solid Waste Plant, this is a 22-megawatt (MW) solid waste-fired thermal power plant. The Harare City Council has granted Geogenix BV, a Dutch waste management company, a concession contract to design, finance, build, operate, maintain, and own the power station for three decades following commercial operation. To manage the project, Geogenix BV established a wholly owned Zimbabwean subsidiary called Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) has been signed between the power station’s developers and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
Waste to Energy (WTE) is an umbrella term encompassing various technologies that transform non-recyclable waste into valuable energy forms, including heat, fuels, and electricity. These technologies offer a sustainable solution to waste management challenges, diverting waste from landfills and generating renewable energy.
The power station’s primary function is to transform solid waste into a valuable source of electricity. This process begins with the incineration of the waste, which generates intense heat. This heat is then harnessed to boil water, producing high-pressure steam. The steam, the driving force behind the power station’s electricity generation, is channelled to a turbine, causing its blades to rotate. This rotational movement is transferred to an electrical generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electricity. The electricity generated will be sold to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) for integration into the national grid, providing a reliable and sustainable source of power to homes and businesses across the country.
The Pomona Waste to Energy Power Station offers a sustainable solution to the growing problem of solid waste disposal, particularly in Harare. A feasibility study conducted before the project’s approval estimated that the Pomona dump receives approximately 1,000 tonnes of waste daily, with 57% of this waste being combustible and causing frequent fire outbreaks at the landfill.
The project’s benefits extend far beyond energy generation, encompassing a myriad of positive impacts for the surrounding community and the nation as a whole. The transformation of the dumpsite into a modern facility will eliminate environmental pollution and health hazards associated with open waste disposal, creating a healthier and more pleasant environment for neighbouring communities.
Moreover, the project will generate employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, stimulating the local economy and providing livelihoods for residents. The construction phase is expected to create over 500 jobs, while the operational phase will employ around 150 skilled workers.
In addition to its environmental and economic benefits, the Pomona WTE project aligns with Zimbabwe’s commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development. By diverting waste from landfills and converting it into electricity, the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more circular economy.
The Pomona WTE project stands as a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe, demonstrating the nation’s determination to address its waste management challenges and embrace sustainable energy solutions. With its potential to improve environmental conditions, create jobs, and boost energy security, the project is set to transform the lives of Zimbabweans for the better.
Text by Perry Kaande