Staff Reporter

In line with the System Development Plan, which targets to generate approximately 865MW of grid solar energy by 2030 and secure Zimbabwe`s long-term energy supply needs, Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power projects with SKYPOWER Global Group of Companies.

Speaking in a Post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa advised that the photovoltaic solar project would generate 500MW from three solar farms.

“The project intends to generate 500MW from solar farms to be installed at three sites; namely: Henderson (Archie Henderson Research Station Farm), Figtree (Vreigevight Farm) and Manhize (Onzerust Farm),” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Minister Mutsvangwa further stated that these three sites were selected from a total of nine identified sites based on the ability of the grid to accommodate plus or minus 100 megawatts, proximity to a grid, land availability, topographic considerations such as slope, and no settlements within the establishment, no shading from mountains and local leadership and community buy-in.

She indicated that proximity of the solar projects to the grid avoids high cost of infrastructure construction and reduces transmission losses.

Government`s strides to improve power generation in the country will reduce electricity imports and ease power cuts, which drive increased industrial production as there is guaranteed electricity supply, a key economic enabler and driver towards realization of Vision 2030.

The completion of works at the Hwange Power Station Unit 8 and 7 also reduced issues of power challenges that had been bedeviling the country.