‘Hwange Power Station Knocked Out by Acid Leak’

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has blamed a serious tube leak and acidic water contamination for the technical meltdown that knocked out five generating units at Hwange Power Station, triggering intensified load-shedding across the country.

In a statement issued after Sunday’s power supply disruption, ZETDC confirmed that a chain reaction began with a single fault on Unit 2.

The situation quickly escalated, affecting all units at the country’s largest thermal power station.

“Around the same time, abnormal water chemistry was detected, with the water exhibiting elevated conductivity and significantly low pH levels, indicating possible contamination by acidic material.

“This led to all units at the station being affected, causing an emergency outage at the plant,” the statement said.

ZETDC revealed that the source of the contamination was traced back to the plant’s own water treatment system.

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“Subsequent investigations have identified the water treatment plant as the source of the contamination.

“Immediate corrective actions were taken, including isolation of the treatment plant and flushing out of all affected systems.

“The water supply has since been stabilized and is now adequate for plant operations,” ZETDC said.

But by then, the damage was already done.

“However, the acidic water has caused fractures to boiler tubes on the units.

“Significant tube leaks were identified on Units 1 and 2, while Units 3, 4 and 6, which were also online on the day, are being assessed,” the statement added.

Repairs are now underway on the severely hit units, with one expected to return online soon.

“Repairs are now in progress on Units 1 and 2. The first unit is expected to return to service at midnight Tuesday into morning of Wednesday, 7 May 2025,” said ZETDC.

“Pressure testing and repairs on Units 3, 4 and 6 are ongoing. This will be followed by requisite repairs.

“All five affected units are projected to be fully operational by the end of day on Friday, 9 May 2025.”

The Hwange shutdown has put added strain on Zimbabwe’s fragile electricity supply, with ZETDC warning that consumers should brace for more power cuts until the situation stabilises.