The government approved a plan to develop energy from mineral resources, which include the extraction of coal bed methane for power generation, production of liquid fuel from coal, and power generation of electricity from coal and development of oil and gas from various concessions, including the Muzarabani, Gonarezhou, and Manicaland areas.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu announced the program for the Development of Energy from Mineral Resources, which was presented by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development (Winston Chitando). A Commission will oversee the formulation of the Program for the Development of Energy from Mineral Resources.
The program’s primary objective is to ensure that Zimbabwe emerges as a net exporter of electricity by 2024, through the collaboration of mining companies, and exporter of fuel by 2030. The plan is a combination of thermal, solar, and coal bed methane. The solar projects will generate 600MW by 2021, the largest being Karo Resources. Based on the total power consumption of 1 900 MW, Zimbabwe will have 30 percent coming from solar.
The government will split the ownership of coal and CBM extraction concessions, as well as the incorporation of specific tertiary education programs that promote the development of the energy sector. In terms of power from CBM, Zimbabwe will have at least 100MW and two other CBM projects.
Concerning liquids from coal, there are three concessions where work is advanced; in Binga, which is going to be bankable, and in the Gwayi area.
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