Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, [email protected]
THE US$100 million Mapanzure Solar Park in the Midlands is entering the final phase of construction, with the landmark project expected to add 85MW of renewable energy to the national grid and support growth in mining, manufacturing and other productive sectors.
Developed by China-Zim Green Energy in two phases on nearly 150 hectares, the solar park will have a combined installed capacity of 100MW on the direct current side and 85MW on the alternating current side when fully operational.
Phase One, which will produce 60MW, is now at the final stage of construction, while Phase Two will add a further 40MW.
The project is projected to generate about 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, boosting Zimbabwe’s power generation capacity as the country seeks reliable energy supplies to drive economic growth under Vision 2030.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube recently toured the plant to assess progress and said the project underscored the growing role of independent power producers in complementing existing national generation assets.
“The project is expected to complement power generated from major stations such as Hwange
Thermal Power Station and Kariba Hydropower Station, while increasing the contribution of renewable energy to the national grid.
“Upon full completion and operation, the project will achieve an annual power generation of 200 megawatt-hours,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the project’s importance extended beyond increased electricity generation, given the Midlands’ status as a key mining and manufacturing hub.
“Additional generation capacity could therefore help unlock new investment, support increased production and improve the operating environment for businesses across the province. The
Mapanzure development is also part of a wider energy investment pipeline that is changing the province’s power landscape,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the pipeline also included the 5MW Vungu Dam Mini-Hydropower Plant, the
70MW Global union Thermal Power Plant under construction in Kwekwe, the 20MW JINAN Almid Clover New Energy Solar Plant in Gweru and the 10MW Power Circle Solar Plant in Shurugwi, which is 95 percent complete.
“The province also has the 96kW Gandavaroyi Solar Mini-Grid, while the Presidential Solarisation Programme and biogas digesters are extending alternative energy solutions to rural households, schools, clinics and business centres,” he said.
The growing portfolio, Minister Ncube said, would diversify the Midlands energy mix while creating opportunities for investment in mining, mineral beneficiation, agriculture, manufacturing and services.
“The investments reflect Government’s efforts to attract private capital into strategic infrastructure and expand electricity generation under the Second Republic. Partnerships with independent power producers are critical to complementing existing power stations and creating the energy foundation required to drive economic development,” said Minister Ncube.
Chief Mapanzure said the project highlighted the growing importance of solar power in the country’s energy strategy, with private investors responding to rising demand for reliable and alternative sources of electricity.
