National Oil and Gas supply statistics (ZERA & NOIC)

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) regulates the Zimbabwean energy market cost effectively, through incentive regulation and in a fair and transparent manner to achieve sustainable energy. ZERA lists sectors of their mandate as;

1. Increase Access and Security of Supply

2. Regulation and Licensing

3. Energy Efficiency and the Environmental Protection

4. Market Reform and Competition

5. Research and Development

6. Key stakeholder Advisory

ZERA operates in conjunction with The National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) and lists them as one of their many Investment Partners.

The National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) is in the business of pipeline transportation of petroleum products as well as storage and handling in the Company’s depots. The Company has depots in strategic sites around the country, namely Bulawayo, Mutare, Beitbridge, Msasa and Mabvuku. NOIC has blending facilities at its depots and undertakes blending services on behalf of its clients.

Fuel is transported from Beira to Feruka and Msasa using the pipeline.

NOIC handles products on behalf of customers

Products Handled

• Diesel

• Petrol

• Jet A1

• Illuminating Paraffin (IP)

• Ethanol

Before vessels discharge product at Beira Port, Quality Assurance department confirms that the products meet specifications (which are available on request). Independent laboratories at Beira analyse the product quality and send the results for approval prior to discharge and prior to injection into the pipeline.

The quality of product is also checked upon receipt into our depot depots and before dispatch to the market.

National power generation statistics (ZPC, ZETDC, ZESA)

As with NOIC, ZERA is the overall regulatory body and lists both ZPC and ZETDC as Investment Partners. Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, (ZESA) whose official name is ZESA Holdings (Private) Limited, is a stateowned company whose task is to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in

Zimbabwe. It has organized this task by delegation to its subsidiaries, the energy generating company Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).

According to Energy Transition.org, “With an installed capacity of 2300 megawatts (MW), Zimbabwe currently generates an average of 1100 megawatts (MW) against a peak demand of about 1700MW, according to ZERA data.” (20 Sept, 2022)

As reported by TechZim (5 June, 2023) the situation is gradually improving. “The electricity situation in Zimbabwe keeps evolving…ZETDC says they are now beginning the final commissioning phase of Unit 7. However, you may be glad to know it is already contributing its full 300MW to the national grid…There is another unit, Unit 8, which also has a capacity of 300MW that is in the works.

Home water heaters – electric vs Gas vs Solar Which is best for you?

Easily and cheaply available hot water in the home is really important, particularly in winter. There are three main types of hot water heaters or geysers – electrically operated, those that run off sustainable energy like solar and those that use some type of fuel like gas or oil. The old farm-style boilers that had a wood or charcoal fire under a big tank are, thankfully, not practical for urban use.

Zimbabwe prohibited the fitting of new electric cylinder geysers to homes some years ago, although existing electrical geysers can still be used. It’s estimated that an electric geyser can gobble up to 40% of a household’s electricity consumption – and they’re not terribly efficient, particularly when electricity supply is sporadic and unreliable. Although it’s usually installed in the roof a conventional ‘tank type’ electric geyser is quite bulky and thermostats and elements need to be periodically replaced. There are instant electric water heaters (or tankless heaters) available although they are not as popular in Zimbabwe as they are in Europe and other parts of the world. An electric showerhead water heater provides instant hot water and unlike the tank or cylinder type the supply is unlimited –depending, of course, on the availability of electricity.

Gas geysers are a good option for heating water, particularly the instant

The Hwange expansion project involves those two units, Units 7 and 8, contributing 300MW each, a total of 600MW to the grid. We were told to expect Unit 8 to be synchronised by October. However, it’s looking like we might not have to wait that long. Unit 8 is already being worked on and is already contributing to the grid, though not its full 300MW.” type that only heats water on demand. They are generally reliable and work even when there’s no electricity –although most gas water heaters need some kind of battery power to ignite the gas. It can also be extremely irritating and inconvenient if you run out of gas on a freezing winter morning. They’re relatively inexpensive and simple to install although not that eco-friendly as the gas gives off carbon dioxide when it burns – and the mining and transportation of LP Gas has environmental impacts.

Solar geysers are by far the most environmentally friendly option and, once installed, cost nothing to run, although they do, very occasionally, require some maintenance. The most common type in Zimbabwe consists of a water tank with glass tubes attached that harness the energy from the sun to heat the water. The water cylinder can be quite heavy and the solar geyser needs to be carefully positioned to maximise exposure to sunlight. They don’t always heat the heat the water enough if there are consecutive cloudy days and once the water has been used it takes quite a long time to heat up again. However most solar geysers have a provision for electrical backup.

So consider the three main options and decide which one is best for you and your family. Stay warm!