Zimbabwe's First Gas-to-Power Project Could Reshape Regional Energy Supply

An Australian energy group, Invictus Energy, is launching Zimbabwe’s first gas-to-power project. The initiative aims to improve the country’s energy security, which currently depends on coal and hydropower. A pilot scheme will test gas production and delivery before full-scale operations begin. In May, Invictus Energy signed a production-sharing agreement with Zimbabwe’s government. This deal provides a stable financial and legal framework for the project. The company plans to drill a new exploration well in the Cabora Bassa Basin in 2024, following significant finds in 2023.

The pilot project will demonstrate the full process, from gas extraction to payment approvals. It is expected to start within 12 to 18 months, supplying power to a local gold mine. After this phase, full production could begin in two to three years.

The gas reserves are estimated in the trillions of cubic feet. Just one trillion cubic feet could generate 500 megawatts of power annually for 20 years. This could also allow electricity exports to neighbouring South Africa and Zambia, supporting their mining sectors. The project could change Zimbabwe’s energy mix, reducing reliance on coal and hydropower. It may also boost regional energy supply, benefiting major industries in nearby countries. The timeline depends on successful pilot results and government approvals.