Three independent power producers have applied to the
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) for licences to establish solar power
plants that will add about 100MW to the national grid.
The three include Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited, which seeks
to establish a 1MW photovoltaic rooftop power plant at its premises in Harare;
Lumigar Solar (Private) Limited that seeks to construct a 65MW plant at Cactus
Hill Farm in Chegutu; and Zhenje Solar Park (Private) Limited that intends to
construct a 33MW solar power plant at Makokoro in Seke District.
The development comes after telecomms giant Econet Wireless
recently commissioned a 466kW solar power plant at its Willowvale industrial
complex in Harare, the largest commercial and industrial carport and roof mount
installation of its kind to be deployed in the country.
Zimbabwe could make huge savings on energy import costs,
achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on energy and contribute
towards Vision 2030.
Under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP),
Government identifies solar as an alternative source of power, particularly for
rural households in off-grid areas and seeks adoption of renewable energy
sources.
In the case of Schweppes, the electricity will be for its
operations while the other two companies intend to sell the power they generate
to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.
In their notices to the public yesterday, ZERA said Lumiger
would also construct an approximately 1km line from its proposed site to the
substation in Selous while Zhenje will construct a 2km line from its site to
Harava Dema line. Herald
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