Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala [email protected]
Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo has commissioned its first state-of-the-art solar power plant in a move aimed at ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the health institution.
The project, funded by Old Mutual at a cost of US$810 000, is expected to significantly reduce the hospital’s dependence on conventional power sources while promoting the use of sustainable energy.
The solar plant consists of about 1 300 solar panels connected to a one-megawatt battery storage system capable of producing up to 750 kilowatts at peak generation.
The hospital currently consumes between 350 and 450 kilowatts of electricity per hour, meaning the solar installation will not only meet the hospital’s energy requirements but also generate excess power.
The surplus electricity will be fed into the national grid, contributing to the country’s broader energy supply while enhancing energy efficiency at the hospital.
The commissioning of the solar plant marks a significant step towards improving operational sustainability and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical medical services at the institution.
