Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMBABWE’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.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has confirmed receipt of new applications from Lafrica Energy (Private) Limited and New Glovers Solar (Private) Limited, which are seeking to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants with a combined capacity of 135 megawatts (MW).
In a public notice, ZERA stated that Lafrica Energy has applied for a licence to construct, own, operate, and maintain a 25MW solar PV plant in Hwange.
“All the power generated from the solar plant will be consumed by Global Gold Mining (Private) Limited and Lino Manganese Mining (Private) Limited,” said ZERA.
The project is expected to be connected to the national grid through the construction of a new 88/33kV substation and a 16-kilometre 132kV Single Wolf line linking the proposed Lafrica Energy Hwange Solar Power Plant substation to the Hwange Local substation.
Meanwhile, 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 amendment has been necessitated by the successful implementation of the first 10MW plant at New Glovers Solar, which is now 80 percent complete, and the appetite by the developers and promoters of the company to continue to aid in the generation of clean energy for the nation at large,” ZERA said.
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 in development stages, 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.
