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Energy company Grid Africa has reached an agreement with a group of miners in Zimbabwe to build 200 megawatts (MW) of solar power for their operations, costing around US$180 million.
This deal comes as miners struggle to find reliable energy sources for their operations. ZESA Holdings, the country’s power utility, has been unable to meet the growing energy demand, and power blackouts have caused mining companies to lose an estimated US$500 million in revenue.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/business-digest/article/200035304/grid-africa-zim-mines-strike-200mw-solar-deal">Zimbabwe Independent</a> during the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in Victoria Falls this week, Grid Africa CEO Norman Moyo shared details of the agreement. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Today, in Zimbabwe, we are focusing on developing 200MW for the mines.
The mines need 200MW worth of power, and we have now concluded a deal to supply that power to the mines.
A 200MW (project) requires anything up to US$180 million. That is the level of investment you need to put in.
We have got a number of strategic partners — our banking partners who are coming through. We have equity investors and development agencies coming through to support us in developing these mines.
We have already commenced. You will start to see, over the next three years, all that 200MW (project) beginning to come online.
However, we do it in (phases). For us, we are very happy to do a 20MW mine and we move on to the next mine.
Those are smaller projects, quick (and) easy to execute, but they add up very quickly. So that is how we are going to be rolling out that.
We are not going to build one big plant. We don’t think it is the most efficient (way to do it).
</blockquote>
At the summit, Grid Africa signed a major deal with Africa GreenCo Group to generate 100MW of electricity for mines in Zimbabwe.
According to the agreement, Grid Africa will produce the power, and Africa GreenCo Group will manage its delivery to the mines.
Lion Mashiri, director of Africa GreenCo Zimbabwe, stated that the 100MW project will cost about US$70 million. Said Mashiri:
<blockquote>
This project will be on land in the Midlands Province around Kwekwe. It will be done at the farm surrounding ZIMASCO.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe needs between 1,800MW and 2,200MW of electricity, depending on the season. However, as of Friday, November 22, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) reported that power generation was much lower, with Hwange producing 1,084MW, Kariba 124.5MW, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) contributing 50MW, totalling 1,258.5MW.
The government has set ambitious electricity goals for 2030, aiming to generate 2,100MW from renewable sources by that year.
As part of its Renewable Energy Policy, the country also plans to achieve 1,100MW by 2025, reducing reliance on traditional hydroelectric power, which has been impacted by irregular rainfall and climate change.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwean miners and Grid Africa struck a deal to build 200MW solar power, costing $180 million. Miners need reliable energy as power cuts have caused $500 million in losses. Grid Africa's CEO, Norman Moyo, shared details of the deal at a summit. Another deal for 100MW of power was signed with Africa GreenCo Group. Zimbabwe has electricity shortages, with plans to generate more power from renewables by 2030. The country aims to reduce reliance on hydroelectric power due to climate change.

Zimbabwean Miners, Grid Africa Strike 200MW Solar Power Deal

Victor Utedzi, founder of Centragrid, is leading Zimbabwe’s transition to renewable energy with large-scale projects, including solar and hydroelectric plants, aimed at powering industries and decarbonizing the economy.
After expanding the Nyabira solar plant to 25MW, Utedzi has unveiled several projects to meet the energy needs of Zimbabwe’s key industries.
These include a 15MW hydro plant at Tugwi-Mukosi Dam to feed ZEA, two solar plants for PPC, with capacities of 12MW in Bulawayo and 24MW at Colleen Bawn, and a 100MW solar plant for Afrochine ferrochrome and another 100MW plant for Dinson Steel, both backed by 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).
These projects aim to support energy-intensive industries while contributing to global decarbonization efforts. Said Utedzi:
<blockquote>
It took us exactly 10 years, from July 2009 to August 01, 2019, to deliver our first PVC solar plant in Zimbabwe. It was one of the first 2.5MW solar power plants, just 30km from the centre of Harare.
In September this year, we successfully completed the extension of that power plant. It is now 25MW and our customer there is the national utility, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.
We also have reached this first draw down on a 15MW hydro which is sitting in Masvingo, the southern part of the country. We have started construction there. Again, our customer is the national utility.
</blockquote>
Utedzi said development finance institutions (DFIs) play a crucial role in providing long-term financing, with rates falling below 10% per annum, making Zimbabwe increasingly attractive for renewable energy investments.
Since delivering its first 2.5MW solar plant in 2019, Centragrid has grown to become a leader in Zimbabwe’s renewable energy sector.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Victor Utedzi is helping Zimbabwe use renewable energy by building big solar and hydroelectric projects. He made the Nyabira solar plant bigger and has announced more projects for important industries. These projects include a 15MW hydro plant, two solar plants for PPC, and two solar plants for Afrochine ferrochrome and Dinson Steel. They have agreements to sell power for 25 years. Utedzi says it took 10 years to finish their first solar plant and now they are growing fast. Development finance institutions are helping with money at low rates. Centragrid is now a leader in renewable energy in Zimbabwe.

Centragrid Boss, Victor Utedzi, Unveils New Energy Projects With Total Capacity Of 251MW

About 200 out of the targeted 400 houses in Glen View, Harare, have been connected to the pilot solar power project, which is set to be launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The project is being led by Paul Tungwarara, Special Presidential Investment Adviser and chairperson of Prevail Group International (PGI), with implementation by the Zimbabwe Solar Energy Company, a PGI subsidiary.
The initiative involves renting and installing solar panels on rooftops, with the generated solar energy being fed into the national grid.
After touring the Glen View Rooftop Solar Project, Jorum Gumbo on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on monitoring government programmes, said the project would boost Zimbabwe’s economic development. Said Gumbo (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200035281/200-glen-view-houses-connected-to-pilot-solar-project">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The Glen View solar power project stands as a shining example of this transition, an innovation-driven initiative that not only addresses energy challenges but also contributes to environmental sustainability and economic empowerment…
Community solar projects empower residents by providing affordable, clean energy solutions while reducing reliance on the national grid, thereby fostering resilience and economic development at the grassroots level.
</blockquote>
Tungwarara said the project was motivated by the need to end the challenges associated with load-shedding. He said:
<blockquote>
When we saw that there was too much load-shedding, we just came up with this concept of renting a roof, where we are going to put solar panels on each roof.
The project is running under the Presidential Solar Scheme, as we announced before.
For the pilot, we are going to put 400 houses. I think they have done nearly more than 200.
</blockquote>
Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tawengwa, who joined Jorum Gumbo during the tour, assured that residents would not be affected by load-shedding.
Tawengwa also revealed that residents would receive a token of appreciation—approximately US$20 per month—for renting out their rooftops for the solar panels.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In Glen View, Harare, a pilot solar power project is powering 200 houses out of 400. The project is led by Paul Tungwarara and aims to connect solar panels on rooftops to generate energy for the national grid. This project will help reduce load-shedding challenges and provide clean, affordable energy for residents. The initiative is part of the Presidential Solar Scheme and will benefit the community economically and environmentally. Residents renting out their rooftops will receive a monthly payment. Officials are optimistic about the positive impact of this solar project on Zimbabwe's economic development and sustainability.

Pilot Solar Project Powers 200 Houses In Glen View

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) plans to invest US$62 million in a home solar systems project aimed at rural households, as part of the government’s initiative to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. The project targets 500,000 households.
This was made by Milton Munowadafa, ZESA’s managing director for the Eastern region, during the ninth Infrastructure and Investment Summit organised by the Global Renaissance, which commenced in Nyanga on Monday. Said Munowadafa (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zesa-to-power-500-000-rural-homes-with-solar-farirai-machivenyika-in-nyanga-senior-reporter-power-utility-zesa-is-planning-to-invest-62-million-in-a-home-solar-systems-project-targeting-rural-hous/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
ZESA would like to launch an innovative solar home systems project aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030, recognising that extending the traditional grid to remote areas remains a logistical problem that is economically challenging, and ZESA has devised a sustainable solution to empower those under-serviced communities.
The initiative involves the distribution of solar home systems to remote customers under a pay-as-you-go arrangement, thereby making renewable energy accessible and affordable.
This model not only facilitates payment flexibility but also ensures that energy is both sustainable and economically viable for rural households.
The first phase of this ambitious project targets a roll-out to about 500,000 clients. This significantly advances ZESA’s commitment to energy inclusivity and sustainable growth.
By leveraging solar technology, ZESA is set to transform the energy landscape, providing reliable, clean, and affordable energy solutions to the most remote areas of the nation.
</blockquote>
ZESA is facing challenges in generating sufficient power to meet national demand, leading to daily load shedding of up to 15 hours in many parts of the country.
As of Monday, October 14, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of ZESA, was generating only 789 MW from Hwange and 184 MW from Kariba, which is less than half of the country’s total electricity requirements.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA wants to give solar energy to 500,000 rural homes to help them get electricity. They will spend $62 million on this project. They will use solar panels in areas that are hard to reach with normal electricity. People can pay slowly for the solar panels instead of all at once. ZESA hopes this project will help more people have clean and cheap energy. Currently, ZESA is struggling to provide enough power to everyone, which causes outages for up to 15 hours a day. This solar project aims to solve this problem.

ZESA Targets 500,000 Rural Households In Solar Energy Programme

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) recently signed a power purchase agreement with Skypower, a United Arab Emirates-based energy company.
The project, known as the Green Giant, is set to deliver 500 megawatts (MW) of solar power, capable of energising approximately 2 million Zimbabwean households.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior Government officials including the Minister of Energy and Power Development Edgar Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UAE Lovemore Mazemo, acting ZETDC managing director Abel Gurupira, and Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority chairman Edington Tapera Mazambani.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Moyo said the solar energy project was a step forward in the government’s efforts to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. He said (<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025786/zesa-clinches-300mw-solar-energy-deal">via NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The solar power plants will directly feed into our national grid. This collaboration is a beacon of our dedication to enhancing energy security, achieving self-sufficiency and transitioning towards a green economy.
The genesis of this transformative partnership began at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, where we signed a memorandum of understanding with Skypower for the development of 500MW of solar power.
Today, we are not just advancing this agreement but also cementing our shared commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.
</blockquote>
Gurupira said that the projects that will be undertaken under the deal will help alleviate the power shortages currently bedevilling the country. He said:
<blockquote>
The market is, therefore, ready to take up this power. On financial readiness and cost-reflective tariff, ZETDC has established a cost-reflective tariff, ensuring that we have the capacity to pay for the power generated. This financial readiness is key to the sustainable success of the project.
</blockquote>
The project involves the construction of three major solar power plants, a 100MW solar plant in Manhizhe, Midlands Province, a 70MW in Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central Province and 130MW in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZETDC Clinches 500MW Solar Energy Deal With UAE-based Company

Chinese state-owned energy conglomerate, China Energy Engineering Corporation has proposed building a 1 000-megawatt floating solar farm for Zimbabwe on Lake Kariba.
The company said the civil engineering works would cost US$186 million and installation US$801 million, reported <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-27/china-energy-proposes-1-billion-floating-solar-farm-in-zimbabwe?srnd=premium-africa#xj4y7vzkg">Bloomberg</a>.
According to an official report that was prepared for China Energy and potential private equity funders by the company, more than 1.8 million photovoltaic panels installed over 146 modular floating units would be used for the project on Lake Kariba if it went ahead.
China Energy has installed floating panels on China’s Dingzhuang River and in Thailand, the company said in the presentation.
The Kariba report was prepared for Zimbabwe Power Co., CDF Trust Ltd., Energy China Ltd., and the Intensive Energy Users Group.
The project would power mining operations in the country and also help Zimbabwe reduce its carbon emissions.
The main benefit of floating solar is that it doesn’t take up valuable space on land – meaning that it can be used for other purposes, such as farming or construction.
Zimbabwe is facing acute electricity shortages that have resulted in blackouts lasting 18 hours a day for millions of citizens.
The power cuts are being caused by low water levels that have reduced generation from a hydropower plant on Lake Kariba as well as frequent breakdowns at the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Power Utility Proposes US$1 Billion Floating Solar Farm On Lake Kariba

The Minister of Energy and Power Development Zhemu Soda last week said Zimbabwe has vast unexploited energy resources, both renewable and unrenewable, that offer significant opportunities for investors, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009360/zim-seated-on-huge-renewable-energy-resources">NewsDay</a>.
The renewables include solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, while non-renewables are coal, coalbed methane and potential oil and gas.
Addressing delegates at the fourth International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2023 held in Victoria Falls last week, Soda said:
<blockquote>
Solar potential is 16 to 20 megajoules per square meter per day, which is vastly unexploited and is present in several regions of the country.
By end of 2022, Zimbabwe had grid-connected installed solar capacity of only 40 megawatts, mainly 24 megawatts from the independent power producers (IPPs) and the balance for own consumption is now being connected through the net metering facilities.
That is short of the potential of over 100 gigawatts as per the renewable energy policy instruments.
Through partnerships with the World Bank, five out of 17 sites have three feasibility studies done with a total capacity of 370 megawatts in preparation for competitive procurement.
</blockquote>
He said small hydropower projects can be undertaken in the Eastern Highlands region and on perennial rivers and most inland dams. Added Soda:
<blockquote>
These are small projects we can develop using our resources if we can work together.
On a larger scale, we have over 5 000 megawatts of large hydro potential along the Zambezi River basin which doubles between Victoria Falls and the Indian Ocean, including sites in Mozambique.
</blockquote>
Soda also said the country has a total potential of 1 000 megawatts from biomass in the form of agricultural and municipal waste, forest residue and other forms.
Zimbabwe has unharnessed geothermal energy potential of around 50 megawatts, said Soda.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's Renewable Energy Resources Vastly Unexploited - Minister Soda

An energy expert has said the Zimbabwean government should have shifted to solar energy a long time ago and would have avoided the current power crisis.
Benjamin Amos speaks as the southern African nation is experiencing some of its worst power outages in memory with electricity available only between 10 pm and 4 am in most parts of the country. 
The country’s peak demand is 2 200 megawatts (MW), according to authorities, but is currently producing about 650MW only with experts urging the government to prioritise other sources of renewable energy.
Amos said the mere fact that Zimbabwe and Zambia were experiencing different load-shedding schedules showed the difference in planning between the two countries. He told the <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200005184/power-crisis-leaves-govt-in-sixes-and-sevens">Standard</a>:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe is having prolonged blackouts lasting for 22 hours daily and Zambia will start to implement load shedding for six hours. We have the same climate. Zimbabwe is severely affected because of poor planning on our part.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The writing has been on the wall since the 1980s that hydro-power would be less sustainable in the future.
Government should have introduced full-proofing measures long ago.
Climate change presents an opportunity to shift to green energy.
We are experiencing more sunny days than usual. Government should have shifted to solar energy a long time ago.
</blockquote>
Information from the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) showed that the country’s capacity utilisation went down from a 10-year high of 57% in 2021 to 51% this year.
Energy and Power Development minister Zhemu Soda last week said the power deficit was mainly triggered by winter wheat farming which consumed more electricity and also blamed consumers were not paying their bills.
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa last week blamed the crisis on former president Robert Mugabe’s maladministration.  
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Govt Should Have Shifted To Solar Energy A Long Time Ago" - Energy Expert

The ongoing electricity crisis in the country has become a blessing in disguise for Bulawayo shops trading in renewable energy gadgets such as solar panels.
The rolling blackouts have resulted in businesses and households going for up to 18 hours a day without electricity.
A sales representative at Electrical Sales in Bulawayo Central Business District told ZimLive that they have registered an increase in sales in the past few weeks. Said the salesperson:
<blockquote>
We have witnessed an increase in sales of solar panels, inverters, and batteries in the past few weeks.
Our largest market for solar used to be businesses. Now we are noticing a shift as clients enquire about household use.
In a day, we have about 30 inquiries or so. Clients want to understand how it works and the costs; then they come back when they get the money.
</blockquote>
A sales representative at Halsted Builders Express who preferred anonymity told ZimLive that demand for solar power systems was becoming higher. He said:
<blockquote>
During the festive season, we always record high sales of solar panels, especially from our clients in rural areas.
This time around, we have seen many clients purchasing solar power systems due to load shedding.
</blockquote>
A survey conducted by ZimLive in Bulawayo CBD established that a 1kilovolt (kva) solar system ranged from US$1 000 to US$1 200. This powers 4 lights, a television, WIFI, and a decoder. | <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/bulawayo-solar-energy-dealers-profit-from-zesa-power-outages/">ZimLive</a>

Solar Energy Dealers Profit From ZESA Load Shedding

The government is installing solar panels at the homes of at least 100 top government officials, including service chiefs so that they will not endure the effects of rolling power cuts.
All this is being done at the taxpayers’ expense.
The Standard reported senior government sources as saying a local company (name supplied) has been contracted to install a 5 kilovolt (Kva) solar system at a cost of US$ 14 000 each for top chefs.
The beneficiaries include Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, commissioners, and army generals.
They will get a full package of the 5 Kva solar system, which consists of accessories and labour, and costs between US$3 000 and US$5 000.
However, the government will be paying US$14 000 for the same service — a 200% inflated price, reported The Standard.
Energy ministry permanent secretary Gloria Magombo confirmed that top government officials will get the home solar energy systems when contacted for comment on Saturday. She said:
<blockquote>
This is a project that is being managed by the PSC. As the ministry of Energy and Power Development, we are just providing technical support and consultancy.
As for further details, we are not aware.
However, I understand that government has a solar power plan, which will benefit not only civil servants’ but even ordinary people and other public institutions.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) secretary general Japhet Moyo criticised the government for taking taxpayers’ money to fund the lifestyles of bigwigs. He said:
<blockquote>
The issue of electricity is affecting everyone and all citizens are equal according to the supreme law of the land.
Those who pay the tax are in darkness for over 19 hours while some are cushioned from the pain of the power struggles. Citizens should definitely challenge this.
The senior public servants should bear the same challenges faced by every other citizen.
That will push them as policymakers to address the problem.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions’ Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
We know nothing about the solar scheme, but based on past experience, those at the top are the ones benefiting while the rest of the civil servants are just being used as a scapegoat.
Government has pledged several non-monetary incentives to its workers, but nothing has been implemented.
The solar installation pledge for civil servants is just empty talk.
Government has no capacity to install solar systems for every civil servant. How can it manage to do so when it has been failing to improve salaries?
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/local-news/article/200004885/bigwigs-shielded-from-power-cutschefs-get-free-solar-systems">The Standard</a>

Top Govt Officials, Army Generals To Get Free Home Solar Energy Systems

Distributed Power Africa (DPA), the renewable energy company of Cassava Technologies, received two awards at the Zimbabwe Solar Week Leadership Awards 2022 held at the Holiday Inn in Harare on Thursday, 1 December.
The first award was in the Best Solar Project of the Year category and the second award was for their Chief Executive Officer in Zimbabwe, Divyajeet Mahajan, who was named CEO of The Year.
The Zimbabwe Solar Week Leadership Awards were hosted by Solar Quarter – one of the largest solar energy sector media in Asia-Pacific &amp; Africa.
The awards brought together over 150 top decision-makers in green power to discuss the vast business opportunities present in Zimbabwe’s growing energy sector. 
The event was attended by project developers, solar EPC companies, equipment manufacturers, service and technology providers, as well as consulting firms.
DPA was recognised for its accelerated rollout of renewable energy solutions under Mahajan’s leadership in Zimbabwe. Commenting on the awards, Mahajan said:
<blockquote>
We thank the organisers of the Zimbabwe Solar Week Leadership Awards for this recognition.
It is heartening to be recognised by industry peers. We are expanding our DPA footprint to support the increasing number of clients that are seeking more reliable, cleaner energy.
These awards give us further motivation to keep delivering solutions that increase efficiencies for our Commercial and Industrial customers, in whatever sector they are.
</blockquote>
Demand for alternative energy is growing across Africa, including in Zimbabwe, due to power shortages in the region.
This has seen DPA scaling up the deployment of energy solutions to a varied range of new clients, across sectors such as mining, retail, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Renewable Energy Company DPA Receives Two Solar Energy Awards

A local energy expert, Victor Utedzi, says Zimbabwe needs to make huge investments in solar energy to deal with its current energy crisis.
On Thursday, Zimbabwe had a shortfall of nearly 900MW, according to ZESA’s internal daily updates.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which manages Kariba Dam, last week advised ZESA to stop production at the Kariba South hydroelectric plant because of low usable water levels.
Speaking during an interview with <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/explainer-inside-zimbabwes-power-generation-crisis-20221201">News24,</a> Utedzi said another option that Zimbabwe has is to ask to purchase water from the Zambian side of the Kariba Dam. He said:
<blockquote>
The solution [to Zimbabwe’s power crisis] is to increase the variety of power generation avenues in the country from other sources.
The 600MW Hwange extension will help by reducing the amount of generation.
The country has to deploy more solar photovoltaic (PV), which works during the day and allows water to be conserved.
Solar is clearly the best prospect. It’s the lowest cost, quick to build, and the sun is in abundant supply in the country. There are also good wind resources spread throughout the country.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority has a number of dams already built, which could provide up to 500MW of power.
There’s the Muzabani oil and gas prospect drilling by Invictus. It’s still subject to a successful drilling programme.
Even then, there is a need for significant capital spending to extract the gas, clean it into a usable form for power generation, and build transportation facilities for consumers.
It’s an excellent prospect that will require significant capital to be fully exploited.
</blockquote>
He said Zimbabwe should improve the ease of doing business and assure investors that the environment is safe and profitable as it is competing with its neigbours for the same pool of capital.

"Zimbabwe Should Make Huge Investments In Solar Energy"

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