Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) has taken a significant stride towards harnessing Zimbabwe’s wind energy potential.
The first wind measurement tower now stands tall in the Mamina Hills of Chivhu, Mashonaland East Province.
This crucial structure serves as a data collection point, meticulously measuring wind speed and direction over a sustained period.
The information gleaned will be instrumental in determining the feasibility and optimal positioning of a future 100 MW wind power station in the area. Wind energy is a rapidly growing renewable energy source around the world, lauded for its clean and sustainable nature.
It harnesses the power of moving air to generate electricity through wind turbines. Africa, with its vast and often windy landscapes, holds immense potential for wind energy development. Several countries on the continent have already embraced this technology. Morocco, for instance, boasts the continent’s largest wind farm, the gigantic Noor Ouarzazate complex. In Kenya, the Lake Turkana Wind Power Station stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to clean energy.
Beyond Africa, countries like Denmark, Germany, and the United States have become leaders in wind energy production, integrating it into their national grids and reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
The wind measurement tower in Chivhu marks a promising step for Zimbabwe as it joins the global movement towards a greener future.
PowerChina has built major projects in Zimbabwe, including Units 7 and 8 of the Hwange Power Station Expansion Project (2×335 MW), which is the largest thermal power station in Zimbabwe. They were honoured with the “Excellent Contribution Award” by the Zimbabwe Power Company.This is Zimbabwe’s largest infrastructure initiative in nearly 30 years, and is also the first investment-construction-operation integration project undertaken by PowerChina in Africa.
During construction of the Hwange project, PowerChina had to overcome a variety of challenges and successfully achieve significant milestones, including the grid connection and power generation of
Units 7 and 8, as well as a continuous 168-hour full-load trial operation. These accomplishments have earned high praise for the company from the Zimbabwean government and the project owners.
The Hwange Power Station now meets 50 percent of Zimbabwe’s national electricity demand, significantly alleviating electricity shortages throughout the country. It has not only provided thousands of jobs for local people but also improved the standard of living for residents, contributing to Zimbabwe’s rapid economic development.
PowerChina is an integrated construction group that provides investment and financing, planning design, engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, and operation management for clean and low-carbon energy, water resources, environmental construction, and infrastructure.
Centring on hydroelectricity and electric power, the company has established its presence in diversified market segments featuring “comprehensive civil engineering and large construction,” with integrated business development ranging from water environment management, smart cities, rail transit projects, and municipal engineering to residential buildings.
As one of the world’s largest power construction enterprises with the most integrated industrial chains, PowerChina has business in more than 130 countries and regions around the world and has delivered a series of industry-leading and high-quality projects over the years, attracting the keen interest and attention of customers from all over the world.
Text: Martin Chemhere
From: E&P ISSUE 11