Norton Residents Oppose Plans for 210MW Coal Power Plant

Residents of Norton have raised concerns over a proposed 210MW thermal power plant that tile manufacturer Sunny Yi Feng plans to build in the area.

Earlier this month, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) disclosed that Sunny Yi Feng had applied to set up a 20MW solar power facility at its factory. However, the company has determined that this capacity is insufficient for its operations, leading to plans for a much larger coal-powered station—an idea that has sparked resistance from the local community.

Sunny Yi Feng, one of Southern Africa’s largest tile manufacturers, produces over 35,000 square meters of tiles and 40,000 kitchenware items daily, supplying both local and international markets. Given Zimbabwe’s unreliable electricity supply, the company is looking to generate its own power.

However, concerns have been raised about the environmental and health impacts of the proposed coal plant. A report commissioned by the company itself found that residents fear emissions from burning coal could lead to respiratory illnesses, cancer, and contamination of nearby water sources such as Lake Chivero and Darwendale Dam.

This isn’t the first time Sunny Yi Feng has faced opposition over its energy plans. The company previously attempted to secure rights to mine coal in the Sinamatella area of Hwange National Park but was met with resistance from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

Sunny Yi Feng, through its energy division Sunny Jin Long Energy, insists that it has effective pollution control measures, including emission filters and dust management systems. The company also plans to repurpose coal ash for cement production.

Despite these reassurances, many residents remain skeptical, questioning why the company isn’t prioritizing renewable energy. Sunny Yi Feng argues that solar power on the required scale would need approximately 1,000 hectares of land, while it only has 29 hectares available. Hydropower, they add, isn’t feasible due to water scarcity in the region. The company maintains that coal is a more reliable energy source since it doesn’t depend on weather conditions like solar or wind power.

The debate over the project continues, with residents pushing for more sustainable alternatives.

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