New solar plant earmarked for Zvishavane
CHINA-ZIM Green Energy and Technology Corporation has submitted an application to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) for a licence to construct, own, and operate an 85MW solar photovoltaic plant at Muzvondiwa Business Centre in Zvishavane, Midlands Province.
The proposed project includes the construction of a 132kV transmission line to connect the solar plant to the Mapanzure substation and the existing Zvishavane-Unki transmission line.
The energy regulator confirmed the receipt of the application from China-Zim Green Energy and Technology Corporation (Private) Limited for the construction of the new 85MW solar photovoltaic plant.
“China-Zim Green Energy and Technology Corporation (Private) Limited intends to generate power from the proposed solar plant for its own consumption,” said Zera.
“The project will be connected to the grid through the construction of a 132kV single line from the Mapanzure 132kV substation to the cut-in and out point of the existing 132kV Zvishavane-Unki Tee 43MVa line.”
This initiative is part of a broader trend of Chinese investments in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, aimed at boosting the country’s power generation capacity. Recent significant projects include the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power Station and the Kariba South Hydro Power Station, both executed by China’s Sinohydro Corporation.
Hwange power Station-Unit 7 and 8
The Hwange Thermal Power Station expansion project involved the commissioning of Units 7 and 8, each contributing 300MW to the national grid. Completed in August 2023 at a cost of US$1.5 billion, the project increased the station’s total capacity to 1,520MW, playing a crucial role in reducing power shortages and enhancing economic stability in Zimbabwe.
Hydro Power Station
Similarly, the Kariba South Hydro Power Station was expanded in March 2018 with the addition of two units, each generating 150MW. The US$533 million project increased the plant’s capacity from 750MW to 1,050MW, significantly helping to alleviate power shortages and reduce dependence on electricity imports.
China’s continued involvement in Zimbabwe’s power infrastructure development has been a key factor in supporting the nation’s economic growth and enhancing energy security.
ZERA CEO Edington Mazambani
Zimbabwe has seen modest investments in renewable energy by local private investors, particularly in solar, as the country seeks to boost renewable capacity to 1,100 megawatts (MW) by 2025.
Electricity challenges in Zimbabwe have led many companies and households to invest in solar energy to ensure uninterrupted supplies.
By 2030, Zimbabwe targets 2,100MW, or 26.5 percent of the overall supply, a position the country also presented at COP26 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, which aligns with its pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To encourage investments in renewables, Zimbabwe is offering incentives, including duty and tax exemptions and prescribed asset status.-ebsinessweekl
