Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
INNSCOR Africa Limited is seeking regulatory approval to expand its solar photovoltaic plant in Bulawayo by more than 50 percent and convert the facility to captive generation for its own use, in a move that could strengthen the diversified group’s renewable energy capacity.
The company has applied to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) to amend its generation licence for the solar plant in Belmont, Bulawayo.
Under the proposed amendment, Innscor wants to increase the plant’s licensed generation capacity from 0.986 megawatts (MW) to 1.5MW.
In addition, the application seeks to alter the plant’s operating model from commercial generation to electricity production for Innscor’s own use.
The development comes as Zimbabwean businesses continue investing in alternative energy sources to improve power security and support uninterrupted production.
“Notice is hereby given that Innscor Africa Limited, a company licensed as an independent power producer under the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19) of 2002, to construct, own and operate a 0.986 MW solar photovoltaic power plant at number 6 Leeds Street in Belmont, Bulawayo has submitted an application to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority for amendment of its generation licence number GC0195/2025 in terms of Section 49(1)(b) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19),” reads part of the notice.
This points to a greater focus on captive renewable energy as companies seek to manage electricity costs, improve energy reliability and reduce exposure to disruptions in grid supplies.
The proposed amendment is subject to the regulatory process provided for under the Electricity Act.
Innscor said the public notice was issued to give interested parties an opportunity to make representations or objections to the proposed changes.
“This notice is being issued in terms of Section 49 (2) of the Electricity Act which requires that the applicant publish a notice of the proposed alterations or amendments to his/her licence stating the period within which objections or representations may be made to the Authority.”
ZERA is responsible for regulating Zimbabwe’s electricity sector, including licensing electricity generation activities, while the Electricity Act provides the legal framework governing amendments to generation licences.
