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The Expansion of Coal Power in Zimbabwe: A Cause for Concern
by: Africa Just Transition Network
Despite China’s 2021 pledge to halt overseas coal projects, Chinese companies, notably from Shandong province, have embarked on new coal-fired power ventures in Zimbabwe. This deviation from their commitment highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in global climate actions.
Three major coal plants in Zimbabwe exemplify this troubling trend, operating as independent power producers that prioritize industrial needs over public benefit. The Dinson Colliery Power Plant in Hwange, led by a subsidiary of Tsingshan Holding Group, is designed to generate electricity solely for Tsingshan’s steel projects, rather than supplying the national grid. Similarly, the Jinan Thermal Power Plant, developed by Jinan Mining (Zimbabwe) with Chinese investment ties, is dedicated to supporting mining operations rather than addressing local energy shortages. The ZhongXin Thermal Power Plant further expands coal-fired power capacity for industrial use, with no direct benefits for nearby communities. Instead of improving energy access, these projects will burden local populations with pollution, environmental degradation, and health risks while reinforcing coal dependency.
While these projects are touted as drivers of economic growth and energy security, the associated environmental and social costs are staggering. Communities near these coal plants are first dispossessed of natural resources (land, water, forest), and those resources are then polluted, leading to deforestation, air and water pollution, and increased carbon emissions. Such developments contradict global calls for a transition to renewable energy, exacerbating the climate crisis and negatively impacting public health.
Chinese companies financing these plants are failing to adhere to their government’s international pledge to halt overseas coal expansion. This not only undermines global climate goals but also burdens Zimbabwe with outdated energy infrastructure and ecological degradation. Local communities bear the brunt of these consequences, often losing their livelihoods and facing displacement due to mining and power plant operations.
Zimbabweans must demand sustainable energy policies and reject environmentally destructive projects. Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, experienced a severe drought in 2023 and 2024, intensified by climate change. By September, over 60 million people across the region needed assistance, and over a million children suffered wasting from malnutrition. China, too, must be held accountable for its international commitments and shift its focus toward renewable energy investments. These coal plants are a stark reminder of the urgent need for global collaboration to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.
Email: Kevin Munyoli
