MSUIR Community:https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/46102026-05-24T23:46:51Z2026-05-24T23:46:51ZComparative Analysis of Hydropower and Thermal-fired Plants in Zimbabwe’s National GridKumba, Hagreaveshttps://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/70792026-05-20T07:03:28Z2025-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Comparative Analysis of Hydropower and Thermal-fired Plants in Zimbabwe’s National Grid
Authors: Kumba, Hagreaves
Abstract: Zimbabwe's national power generation sector heavily depends on two primary sources: hydropower and coal-fired thermal power stations. The country, with a total installed capacity of approximately 1,700 MW against a demand of 5,000 MW, faces persistent power shortages, leading to imports and frequent blackouts. These two sources present distinct operational characteristics, environmental implications, and resilience to climate and economic pressures. This paper presents a comparative analysis of hydropower and thermal-fired plants in Zimbabwe’s national grid, focusing on their current status, challenges, and future prospects. The study evaluates generation capacity, reliability, cost structure, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability under climate variability. The research will use data from the Zimbabwe Power Company, Zambezi River Authority, policy documents, and relevant government ministries to assess the performance of the power stations. The methodology involves techno-economic and environmental performance assessments. The key indicators to be examined include average annual generation output, operational efficiency, carbon emissions, fuel availability, vulnerability to climate change, and maintenance downtime. Expected results include a clearer understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of hydropower and thermal power in Zimbabwe's energy system, including their suitability for long-term sustainability and climate resilience. The study also anticipates identifying policy and investment pathways that support a more diversified, reliable, and low-carbon electricity mix. The water–energy–climate nexus approach will serve as the analytical framework to understand the research's interdependencies, trade-offs, and policy gaps. Finally, this paper aims to contribute to ongoing national and regional discussions on energy security and infrastructure modernization in line with sustainable development goals.
Description: The 6th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences session Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering- Conference Proceedings- 9–11 December 20252025-01-01T00:00:00ZKumba, HagreavesHydrogen as a solution for a stable and sustainable low-carbon energy system in Sub-Saharan AfricaCharamba, Anesu NicholasMakepa, Denzel ChristopherKumba, HagreavesJoseph AkpanOludolapo Olanrewajuhttps://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/70782026-05-19T09:47:15Z2026-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Hydrogen as a solution for a stable and sustainable low-carbon energy system in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Charamba, Anesu Nicholas; Makepa, Denzel Christopher; Kumba, Hagreaves; Joseph Akpan; Oludolapo Olanrewaju
Abstract: The increasing penetration of renewable and distributed energy resources in Sub-Saharan Africa has intensified concerns about energy security, frequency deviations, and overall grid instability. Addressing these challenges requires reliable energy storage solutions capable of supporting a stable, low-carbon electricity supply. This study adopts a combined qualitative and quantitative approach to examine the role of hydrogen energy storage systems in enhancing renewable energy integration and advancing decarbonisation across the region. Qualitatively, policy and regulatory preparedness is assessed across twelve Sub-Saharan African countries, while a quantitative decarbonisation cost–benefit analysis evaluates hydrogen’s potential for peak-load management and grid reliability at the national level. Hydrogen storage is proposed as a scalable, low-carbon solution, with South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana emerging as the most promising case studies due to their stronger renewable energy profiles and implementation capacities. The findings show that strategic investment in hydrogen energy storage can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and improve grid flexibility, although high upfront costs and regulatory constraints remain key barriers. This study contributes a cross-country readiness assessment, empirical evidence of hydrogen’s system-level benefits, and a framework incorporating both green and other hydrogen pathways. These insights highlight the broader applicability of hydrogen storage for developing regions seeking robust, long-term strategies to stabilise renewables-based power systems and accelerate the transition toward low-carbon energy futures.2026-01-01T00:00:00ZCharamba, Anesu NicholasMakepa, Denzel ChristopherKumba, HagreavesJoseph AkpanOludolapo OlanrewajuComparative Overview of Solar Engineering Education in Zimbabwe: Short-term and Blended TrainingPasipamire, RatidzoKumba, HagreavesJoseph AkpanOludolapo Akanni Olanrewajuhttps://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/70772026-05-19T09:07:31Z2025-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Comparative Overview of Solar Engineering Education in Zimbabwe: Short-term and Blended Training
Authors: Pasipamire, Ratidzo; Kumba, Hagreaves; Joseph Akpan; Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju
Abstract: Zimbabwe's adoption of renewable energy technologies has led to a surge in demand for skilled personnel in the renewable energy sector. This work is a policy-oriented discussion with resource implications on two training schemes that contribute to addressing the skills gap in solar energy education. Short-term related training programs in solar engineering, such as those offered by universities, polytechnics, and vocational training centers, offer immediate technical skills but lack depth. Blended training, which emphasizes practical experience and project-based learning, has successfully produced skilled artisans with holistic knowledge in traditional engineering disciplines. However, this blended training system is yet to be adapted for training solar engineering professionals in polytechnics and vocational training centers. This has exposed critical gaps in training frameworks and the adaptability required to prepare workers for the renewable energy transition. Addressing these gaps through flexible learning paths, strong academic-industry partnerships, modern curricula, and coordinated resource mobilization could improve training outcomes and contribute to a more skilled and sustainable workforce.
Description: Paper presented at the conference held in Melbourne, Australia on the 07-10 December 20252025-01-01T00:00:00ZPasipamire, RatidzoKumba, HagreavesJoseph AkpanOludolapo Akanni OlanrewajuAdditive Manufacturing: A Catalyst for Economic Development in ZimbabweGwatidzo, OscarTigere, GodfreyNdiyamba, Davidhttps://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/69412025-11-15T14:44:01Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Additive Manufacturing: A Catalyst for Economic Development in Zimbabwe
Authors: Gwatidzo, Oscar; Tigere, Godfrey; Ndiyamba, David
Abstract: Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printers (3DP) present a transformative opportunity for agro-based third-world countries like Zimbabwe. By enabling localized, on-demand production, AM/3D can revolutionize various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and rural development. This study explores the current state of implementation of AM, challenges being faced by the industries in implementing AM technologies, and success stories in the nearby countries like South Africa and Botswana. Furthermore, the authors explored the opportunities where AM can be used. In the agricultural sector, the authors delved into specific applications, including the creation of precision agricultural tools, custom-fit prosthetic devices for farm workers, and innovative packaging solutions for perishable goods. Additionally, the study discusses the positive economic implications of AM adoption, including job creation, reduced reliance on imports, and the promotion of sustainable practices. By leveraging AM, 3rd world countries like Zimbabwe can unlock new avenues for growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance their global competitiveness. Furthermore, the study draws up the implementation framework of AM technology in Zimbabwe's agriculture, highlighting the need to involve institutions of higher learning and research to involve all provinces.2024-01-01T00:00:00ZGwatidzo, OscarTigere, GodfreyNdiyamba, David