National Foods to invest in 2-megaWatt solar plant

Agri-industrial concern National Foods Holdings Limited is assessing options for setting up a 2-megawatt solar plant at its Aspindale site as it seeks to reduce reliance on the grid and generator backup for power.

The group indicated in its 2023 annual report that diesel consumption for generators increased from 129,921 litres in 2022 to 712 851 litres in 2023.

In the same period, the group registered a 41 percent decrease in electricity usage, from 54 150 MWh in 2022 to 31 940 MWh this year heavily influenced by supply challenges.

The amount of electricity used in 2022 was the highest in the previous three years.

Figures from the report show that in 2011, the group used 31 791 MWh, 25 950 MWh in 2020 and 31 229 MWh in 2019.

According to the report, the Group monitors the performance of its energy management systems through a combination of internal and external audits, measurement systems, external performance ratings, and benchmarking against industry standards.

Stakeholder feedback is used to ensure that our energy management systems meet and exceed expectations.

The group said it aspires to align energy management to international standards and to ensure efficient energy utilisation and cost savings for the business.

While the company significantly relies on grid electricity, part of its strategy is to establish and maintain cleaner sources of renewable energy.

This will not only reduce overall energy costs but will also work towards decreasing the carbon footprint of the Group.

To reduce reliance on the grid and generator backup, the group is assessing solar power usage.

“Alternative renewable energy options are continually assessed, including the option of utilising solar energy production to reduce reliance on the grid and generator backup.

Working with Distributed Power Africa, a concept design of a 2MW solar installation at the Aspindale site has been generated and assessed.

“Although no firm plans for progressing the project have been approved, work continues on refining the concept and assessing the proposal,” reads part of the report.

Last year, the Government tabled various incentives to shore up investments in renewable energy in a bid to meet its target.

The incentives include Government guarantees for investors to remit dividends in foreign currency and be able to repay offshore loans.

The Zimbabwe National Renewable Energy Policy, launched in 2019 set the target of achieving a renewable capacity of 1 100 MW or 16,5 percent of overall electricity supply by 2025.

By 2030, it targets 2 100 MW or 26,5 percent of the overall supplies, which is in line with its pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions by 2030.

The policy also aims to have installed 250 000 solar geysers, increase the use of institutional and domestic biogas digesters, deploy the use of solar mini-grids and solar water pumping solutions, and boost the use of renewable technologies.

To encourage investments in renewables, Zimbabwe is offering other incentives including duty and tax exemptions and prescribed asset status for pension and insurance companies.-chronicle