The Osborne Dam Mini-Hydro project will generate 2.5 MW of power and the project site is approximately 35km from Mutare. The expected project cost is US$6.7 million.The project will generate 16 644 MWh of electricity annually. It is located in the Osborne Dam Recreational Park in Manicaland Province Zimbabwe. The Osborne Dam is the third largest inland dam but is currently being underutilized. Due to demand for energy exceeding supply many consumers have resorted to expensive and environmentally destructive energy sources like fossil fuels and firewood. The mini-hydro plant will rely on water in the nearby dam which is renewable and environmentally friendly. This will promote sustainable clean energy. Electricity generation will be synchronised with the irrigation of cash crops and this will improve the wellbeing of people in surrounding communities.
