10MW Glovers solar plant awaits President’s blessing

Patrick Chitumba, [email protected] 

ZIMBABWE’S drive to bridge electricity shortages and accelerate the transition to renewable energy gathers further momentum tomorrow when President Mnangagwa commissions the new Glovers 10MW Solar Plant in Munyati, Kwekwe.

The commissioning comes at a time when the country is intensifying efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on hydroelectric power and attract private sector investment into renewable energy projects amid growing national power demand driven by mining, industry and agriculture.

The New Glovers Solar Power Plant has already started feeding 10 megawatts into the national grid, marking another milestone in the expansion of the country’s solar energy sector, where independent power producers (IPPs) are increasingly playing a critical role in boosting electricity generation.

The project is also set for massive expansion, with New Glovers Solar, already licensed to operate the 10MW solar photovoltaic plant at Glovers Farm in Munyati, applying to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) to upscale generation capacity to 110MW.

ZERA has so far licensed more than 100 independent power producers across the country, highlighting the growing participation of private investors in energy generation.

The projects include solar, hydro, thermal and biogas initiatives, with solar energy dominating due to Zimbabwe’s favourable climatic conditions and abundant sunshine throughout the year.

The increased investment in solar power comes as the Government pushes to achieve energy security, reduce imports and support economic growth in line with Vision 2030.

The Second Republic has prioritised infrastructure development and energy generation as key pillars for industrialisation and economic transformation.

Speaking after touring the plant yesterday ahead of its commissioning, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube described the project as a major milestone for both the province and the country.

“This plant will be commissioned by President

Mnangagwa on Friday (tomorrow). It is another milestone achievement under the Second Republic and this plant will fit into the socio-economic development agenda that is being spearheaded by the Second Republic,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the project aligned with the Government’s inclusive development trajectory and efforts to modernise infrastructure.

“The Glovers 10MW Solar Plant is one of the flagship infrastructure projects being delivered by the Second Republic in Midlands Province. Once operational, it will feed electricity into the national grid, boosting Zimbabwe’s generation capacity and reducing reliance on power imports,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the plant would expand clean energy supply in the province, support industry and mining and create employment, directly advancing Vision 2030’s goal of energy self-sufficiency.

“The commissioning marks another major milestone under President Mnangagwa’s vision of modernising infrastructure and achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.

Last week, plant operator Mr Leroy Ngodho said the initial phase of the project was already operational ahead of its commissioning.

“The New Glovers Solar Power Plant is currently generating 10 megawatts of electricity as part of the project’s first phase, with plans to expand output to 110 megawatts once all phases are completed,” he said.

Mr Ngodho said the 10MW plant is powered by about 18,600 solar panels and 31 inverters. 

He said the plant also has two transformers, each carrying about 6.5 MVA, with the system designed to allow excess capacity for operational stability.

“The plant uses a smart transformer station system equipped with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology for monitoring and protection of the power system,” he said.

Mr Ngodho said electricity generation at the plant began in January last year, before the facility was officially opened on February 12 this year.

He said the current installation represents the first phase of the project, with 10 additional phases planned.

“This is the first phase, so we still have more phases to come, which will carry the same 10 megawatts each,” said Mr Ngodho.

Meanwhile, Minister Ncube also inspected Mbizo Stadium, the venue for the Traditional National Cookout Competitions scheduled for Monday.

He said the venue was ready to host a safe and dignified national event.

The cookout competition celebrates Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, promotes indigenous foods and nutrition and creates income opportunities for women and youth through culture and tourism.

“Both events showcase Midlands Province’s role in driving modern infrastructure and cultural preservation under the Second Republic, reinforcing devolution and community participation in national development,” Minister Ncube said.

He said coordination meetings were underway with all stakeholders to ensure the smooth delivery of both the solar plant commissioning and the national cookout.