NYANGANI RENEWABLE ENERGY
text by Farai Chaka and Patuma Salimu projects table courtesy of NRE
Nyangani Renewable Energy’s achievements in the clean energy revolution has seen them clinching several accolades from the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (ZERA). Their operations in the Eastern Highlands region of Manicaland in particular have earned them regional and international recognition. The company, which is a subsidiary of PGI Group (UK), has transformed underprivileged and neglected rural communities in Manicaland into one of the few areas in the district that seldom experience load shedding in a country hampered by frequent power outages. The reliable supply of electricity has provided many benefits for the region which is well known for its avocado, banana and tea production.
Since commissioning their first hydroelectric power station in 2010, Nyangani Renewable Energy (NRE) has been building and operating PAGE
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ZERA MAGAZINE www.zera.co.zw
issue #01
run-of-river hydroelectric power stations in both Zimbabwe and Malawi, commissioning almost one station per year. These NRE-owned power stations supply all their electricity into both Zimbabwe and Malawi’s national grids. At present their hydropower stations in Zimbabwe are situated in Nyanga and Honde Valley and in Malawi are in the Mulanje area. In Zimbabwe, before any hydro development can take place, a Power Purchase Agreement is signed between NRE and The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) which is approved by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (ZERA). In choosing a suitable site, a desk top study is initially carried out, followed by detailed surveys on the ground. Should these investigations indicate possible hydro potential, a detailed feasibility study is conducted, an environmental impact assessment carried out and approved by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), water abstraction permits obtained from the Zimbabwe National Water Association (ZINWA) and approvals sought from the local Traditional Leadership and Rural District Councils. Chief Mutasa, Headman Muzvare Muparutsa and
George Bandure of the Mutasa Rural District Council (MRDC) have been instrumental in the development of the Honde Valley projects. During construction NRE has sourced all their labour from local surrounding villages. On each project they strive to uplift the local labour force through training and using necessary modern construction and engineering skills. On completion a number of employees are taken on, on a more permanent basis and trained for the operation and running of the plant. These numbers vary between 13 and 25 staff, depending on their size and location. In addition, NRE also runs two maintenance teams, overseeing civil and power line repair works within their region of generation. This involves the upkeep of roads and drainage systems as well as working with ZETDC in grid maintenance works which include wayleave clearance, pole and cross arm replacements, conductor stringing and early identification and repair of problem areas.