Categories: Stories

Zimbabwe Power Company applies to set up three 100MW solar power plants

The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) has applied to set up three solar power plants in the country, in a move aimed at improving electricity supply.

The power plants, each with 100MW capacity, will be located in Gwanda, Matobo and Munyati.

“Notice is hereby given that the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has received an application from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) (Pvt) Limited to construct, own, operate and maintain the proposed 100 MW Insukamini Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant at Valindre Farm of Matobo district in Matabeleland South Province,” the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) said in a statement today.

Recently, ZPC sought permission from the State Procurement Board to cancel a $113 million contract for repowering of Munyati Power Station awarded in 2015 to an Indian firm Jaguar Overseas Limited, citing delays in securing funding for the project.

ZPC is currently undertaking a multi-million extension of Kariba Power Station by a further 300 megawatts from the current capacity of 750MW.

Chinese firm Sino Hydro is undertaking the expansion work, with China also providing the bulk of the $533 million funding.

Zimbabwe’s electricity demand stands at 1 400MW while actual generation is around 980MW with the balance augmented by imports from South Africa and Mozambique.

The southern African nation also plans to upgrade its oldest coal fired power plant — Hwange  — in a $1.3 billion project which is expected to increase generation capacity by 600MW.

The project has stalled as talks for a $1.1 billion loan from China Exim Bank have dragged on since 2014 and missed several restarts.- The Source

(80 VIEWS)

This post was last modified on %s = human-readable time difference 12:56 pm

Charles Rukuni

The Insider is a political and business bulletin about Zimbabwe, edited by Charles Rukuni. Founded in 1990, it was a printed 12-page subscription only newsletter until 2003 when Zimbabwe's hyper-inflation made it impossible to continue printing.

Recent Posts

Will Mnangagwa go against the trend in the region?

Plans by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front to push President Emmerson Mnangagwa to…

October 22, 2024

The Zimbabwe government and not saboteurs sabotaging ZiG

The Zimbabwe government’s insatiable demand for money to satisfy its own needs, which has exceeded…

October 20, 2024

The Zimbabwe Gold will regain its value if the government does this…

Economist Eddie Cross says the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) will regain its value if the government…

October 16, 2024

Is Harare the least democratic province in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, which is a metropolitan province, is the least democratic province in the…

October 11, 2024

Zimbabweans against extension of presidential term in office

Nearly 80% of Zimbabweans are against the extension of the president’s term in office, according…

October 11, 2024

Zimbabwe government biggest loser when there is a discrepancy in the exchange rate

The government is the biggest loser when there is a discrepancy between the official exchange…

October 10, 2024