Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
THE Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) has embarked on a solarisation programme across its facilities, a strategic move aimed at driving sustainability, promoting green tourism, and attaining international airports carbon accreditation.
The initiative, which will eventually extend to the country’s major international airports, has already commenced with the installation of solar systems at Hwange National Airport following the successful completion of a similar project at Buffalo Range Airport in Chiredzi.
Speaking to Zimpapers, ACZ public relations and communications manager, Mr Tonderai Mangombe, said the programme was a cornerstone of the company’s long-term strategy to reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring reliable and clean energy supply.
“As Airports Company of Zimbabwe, we’re doing a solar programme. It’s going to run through our regional airports. The project started with Buffalo Range Airport in Chiredzi,” said Mr Mangombe.
“It’s now running on solar. It has a 40 kilowatt system. Now we’ve just recently started the Hwange National Airport project, which is going to be 80 kilowatts.”
Mr Mangombe emphasised that the solar programme is central to the company’s vision of achieving carbon accreditation for its airports, a globally recognised standard for environmental performance.
“The Hwange National Airport is going to run on 100 percent solar. This is towards the attainment of airports carbon accreditation, which we’re working on as the Airports Company of Zimbabwe.
Looking at Hwange and Victoria Falls, the abundance of the sun and the need to promote sustainable green tourism, I think this is the best way to start,” he said.
Mr Mangombe added that the programme would not be limited to regional airports, with plans already in motion to extend solarisation to the larger international airports.
“But this project is not going only to stop there. We’re going to do the biggest airports. We’re looking at maximising and doing projects that are going to actually supply the national grid,” he added.
The solarisation of airports is expected to significantly enhance power security at the facilities, ensuring uninterrupted operations even in the face of national grid challenges.
This is particularly critical for airports, where reliable power supply is essential for navigation systems, security equipment, and passenger services.
Furthermore, the initiative is set to enhance green sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and positions Zimbabwe as a responsible player in the international aviation community.
The promotion of green tourism is another key benefit, as eco-conscious travellers increasingly seek destinations that prioritise environmental sustainability. By embracing renewable energy, Zimbabwe’s airports can attract a growing segment of environmentally aware tourists.
The ACZ’s solar programme is part of the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
As the project expands, it is expected to serve as a model for other state-owned enterprises and private sector players in Zimbabwe’s energy transition journey.
With the Hwange project already underway and plans to power larger airports in the pipeline, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable aviation infrastructure development in the region.
