Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
THE New Glovers Solar Power Plant has started generating 10MW in Munyati, Kwekwe, as Midlands Province gears up for the plant’s commissioning by President Mnangagwa this coming Friday.
The generation of power at the new plant is a clear demonstration that the country’s solar energy sector continues to register notable growth as more independent power producers (IPPs) join the drive to boost clean energy generation and reduce electricity deficits.
New Glovers Solar, which already holds a licence to operate a 10MW solar PV plant at Glovers Farm in Munyati, Kwekwe, has applied to amend its generation licence to upscale the project to 110MW.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has so far licensed over 100 Independent Power Producers countrywide, a development that underlines the growing role of the private sector in driving renewable energy investments.
These IPPs are authorised to develop generation projects that either feed into the national grid or serve specific private sector clients through off-grid or embedded generation models.
The licensed projects cover a diverse mix of energy sources including solar, hydro, thermal and biogas, with solar energy leading in terms of the number of projects due to Zimbabwe’s favourable climate.
However, despite the growing number of licensed IPPs, only a limited number are fully operational.
Many projects remain at various stages of development, hampered by funding constraints, delays in reaching financial closure, and technical or regulatory challenges.
The country’s push towards diversifying its energy mix comes amid efforts to reduce dependence on hydropower and address persistent electricity shortages.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a tour of the plant by the Midlands Provincial State Occasions Committee on Tuesday, plant operator Mr Leroy Ngodho said the initial phase of the project is already operational ahead of its expected commissioning by President Mnangagwa.
The tour was led by Midlands Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Edgars Seenza.
“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.
“Our 10-megawatt plant is using about 18 600 solar panels and 31 inverters,” he explained.
Mr Ngodho said the plant also has two transformers, each carrying about 6,5MVA, 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 explained that electricity generation at the plant began on January 24 last year before the facility was officially opened on February 12 this year.
Mr Ngodho 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 exactly the same 10 megawatts each,” said Mr Ngodho.
Meanwhile, Midlands Province is preparing to host two major national events in Kwekwe District this month, with the commissioning of the New Glovers Solar Power Plant and the National Traditional Cookout Competitions both set to draw high-level attendance.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, Owen Ncube, chaired a State Occasions meeting this week to finalise arrangements.
“The first event will take place on Friday, 22 May 2026, with the official commissioning of the New Glovers Solar Power Plant in Munyati. President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is expected to officiate at the ceremony,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the 10-megawatt plant, part of the first phase of a larger 110MW project, is designed to strengthen Zimbabwe’s energy security by feeding clean, reliable power into the national grid.
“It will reduce dependence on electricity imports, support industry and mining operations in Midlands, and create employment for local communities.
“The project is seen as a key step in the country’s transition to renewable energy and its push towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.
Minister Ncube said three days later, attention will shift to Mbizo Stadium, where the National Traditional Cookout Competitions will be held on May 25.
“The event will be officiated by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. The cookout aims to celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage by promoting traditional foods, recipes and indigenous crops,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the cookout encourages better nutrition, food security and entrepreneurship among women and youth, while also boosting cultural tourism and fostering national unity.
