On March 28 (local time), the completion ceremony of Kariba south hydropower expansion project in Zimbabwe was held to celebrate the completion and fully operation of the hydropower project, of which the scale is the largest among Zimbabwe's projects constructed since the independence of the country. The two 150MW hydroelectric generating units designed and manufactured by HEC kept providing strong electric power, largely improving Zimbabwe's self-sufficient capacity of electric power, and providing help for the local rapid economic growth and people's happy life.

Kariba hydropower station is located at Kariba Gorge reach on Zambezi River, near the common boundary of Zimbabwe and Zambia. In this project, two 150MW Francis hydroelectric generating units, supplied by HEC, were added to the existing 6 units. With nearly-4-year efforts made in design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning, HEC provided excellent product performance and service quality, offering China's high-quality scheme for Zimbabwe's self-sufficiency of electric power.

"The units showed excellent performance indicators. Rotation rate increased to 157% of the rated during the over-speed test. Foreigners have praised our products and service highly!" Said Ren Guanghui, an employee from HEC's service staff, swelling with pride when recalling. The two units went into operation respectively in December 2017 and February 2018, increasing the power supply for Zimbabwe by 20%-30% and greatly alleviating local power shortages. Since then, the throwing and vibration data of all parts have been satisfactory, and the pad temperature of bearings has been in conformity with design requirements, winning high praises from the government of Zimbabwe and Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina), the construction enterprise of China.

At the completion ceremony, Mr. Mnangagwa, the current President of Zimbabwe, said, "Kariba hydropower station plays a key role in improving national economic growth, and I am happy about the completion of the two units. The completion has increased the power supply in Zimbabwe by 300,000 kW, which can improve the electric power self-sufficiency, save the economize foreign exchange expenditure. In a word, and add more power to Zimbabwe's economic growth. "

Zimbabwe has been subject to long-term power shortages due to geographic, historical and some other reasons. The power demand of this country is 1,600MW. However, before the completion of Kariba south hydropower station expansion project, only 1,200MW of electric output could be maintained in Zimbabwe, and the electric output would be even lower in dry seasons, resulting in as much as 20 million dollars for electricity imports for each month.