Zimbabwe is set to gain another major source of renewable energy as a US$100 million solar project nears completion.
The China-Zim Green Energy Solar Project is located at the Mapanzure Solar Park in Zvishavane.
The development is being delivered through a public-private partnership involving investors and the government.
Once completed, the project should provide 100 megawatts of additional generation capacity.
It is also expected to produce about 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every year.
First Phase Moves Towards Completion
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube recently visited the development.
His visit came as workers pushed Phase One towards its final construction stage.
The first phase covers roughly 150 hectares and will produce 60 megawatts peak.
Meanwhile, developers plan to add another 40 megawatts peak during Phase Two.
China-Zim Project Manager He Tian Jie outlined the construction schedule during the minister’s visit.
“We are almost completing Phase One of this project, with an expected output of 60 megawatts peak. Then we move on to the second phase, where we expect 40 megawatts peak to be completed next year,” China-Zim Project Manager, He Tian Jie, said.
The complete development will therefore deliver 100 megawatt-peak on the Direct Current side.
It will also provide 85 megawatt-peak on the Alternating Current side.
Solar Investment Supports Zimbabwe’s Energy Ambitions
The project could strengthen electricity supplies across the Midlands and other parts of Zimbabwe.
Minister Ncube described the investment as an important addition to the country’s energy infrastructure.
“I am reliably informed that the two-phased project, covering a total area of approximately 150 hectares, has a planned total installed capacity of 100 megawatt-peak on the Direct Current side and 85 megawatt-peak on the Alternating Current side,” he said.
“Upon full completion and operation, the project will achieve an annual power generation of 200 million kilowatt-hours.”
Local traditional leaders have also welcomed the investment and its potential economic benefits.
Chief Mapanzure linked the development to Zimbabwe’s wider national development programme.
“With this magnitude of development, the realisation of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) is quite certain. This is a clear testimony of developmental projects that contribute to the growth of our economy in many spheres,” he said.
The solar investment forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to improve electricity security.
Government is also pursuing additional generation projects while upgrading existing power stations.
Ncube said private-sector partnerships could complement established electricity sources.
“This landmark solar project vividly showcases the Second Republic under the pragmatic leadership of President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s statecraft and development acumen, underpinned by the Engagement and Re-Engagement Policy and beneficial partnerships with Independent Power Producers that complement existing power generation plants, among them Hwange Thermal and Kariba Hydropower plants,” he said.
Zimbabwe is simultaneously expanding Hwange through Units 7 and 8.
The country is also pursuing projects such as the Kariba Floating Solar Plant.
Together, these investments support the government’s broader energy security strategy and its 2030 economic development ambitions.
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