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

ZiG loses steam, falls against US dollar for five consecutive days

The Zimbabwe Gold fell against the United States dollar for five consecutive days from Monday…

November 22, 2024

Indian think tank says Starlink is a wolf in sheep’s clothing

An Indian think tank has described Starlink, a satellite internet service provider which recently entered…

November 18, 2024

ZiG firms against US dollar for 10 days running but people still do not have confidence in the currency

Zimbabwe’s new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), firmed against the United States dollars for 10…

November 16, 2024

Zimbabwe among the top countries with the widest gap between the rich and poor

Zimbabwe is among the top 30 countries in the world with the widest gap between…

November 14, 2024

Can the ZiG sustain its rally against the US dollar?

Zimbabwe’s battered currency, the Zimbabwe Gold, which was under attack until the central bank devalued…

November 10, 2024

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