Petrotrade opens solar-powered service station in Bindura

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

Petrotrade Limited yesterday opened a solar-powered service station in Bindura in line with the recently-launched Renewable Energy Policy that promotes an increased uptake of renewable energy sources.

Energy and Power Development Deputy Minister, Magna Mudyiwa, urged Petrotrade to go one step further and install an electric vehicle charging system.

“The solar system powers all the activities at the service station,” she said.

“I am impressed that Petrotrade has kept its promise to install solar systems at all its new service stations.

“This system reduces energy costs at the end of payback periods and the company is expected to benefit through savings on ZETDC tariffs. The country also benefits in reduced energy demands because solar does not tap from the national grid.

“Renewable energy is the way to go and as a Government we encourage more businesses to tap into solar and other renewable energy sources.”

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Monica Mavhunga said Mashonaland Central province was excited to have a service station selling fuel in local currency.

She commended the service station for adopting solar energy, saying the province had abundant sunshine which could be put to good use as an energy source.

“The opening of the service station has come at an opportune time when all the service stations are selling fuel in foreign currency,” said Minister Mavhunga.

“Although the town is known for greenbacks due to mining activities, people with no access to foreign currency were struggling to get fuel.

“Most Government departments were issuing Petrotrade coupons, but we didn’t have the service station here and this was crippling efficient functioning of Government departments, as well as achieving Vision 2030.”

Petrotrade acting chief executive officer Mr Godfrey Ncube said $138 million was used to build and equip the service station.

Work started in 2018, but stalled due to some challenges and Covid-19.

The opening of the service station coincided with the company’s 10th anniversary and brings to 19 the number of service stations countrywide owned by Petrotrade.

Meanwhile, Minister Mavhunga said her province has started preparations for the winter wheat season with a target of 18 000 hectares.

“The previous season we failed to meet our target due to vandalism of transformers,” she said.

“It is my hope that power will be available and lessen load shedding periods for our farmers.”