adminTHE world’s largest solar cell producer, JA Solar Holdings of China has been contracted to supply 100 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) modules at a cost of $179 million to another Chinese firm, China MCC17 Group which will construct a solar powered facility at Munyati.
The Munyati solar power plant is one of the three large-scale ground-mounted solar power projects which were approved by Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC). The other two will be located at Insukamini and Gwanda. The three projects involve a total PV module contract value of $544 million.
The projects are scheduled to commence construction next year or early 2017, and are expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The projects will have a combined installed capacity of 300 MW.
JA Solar Holdings began negotiations with ZPC to supply modules for the Munyati project earlier this year after China MCC17 Group recommended the solar cell producer as its exclusive module supplier after winning the bid to construct the Munyati project.
In a statement, JA Solar Holdings executive president Mr Xie Jian said winning the contract to supply PV was an indication of the strong relationship which China has with Zimbabwe.
“Winning the contract to supply PV modules to the Zimbabwe project not only provides opportunities for JA Solar to establish stronger relationships in Zimbabwe but also helps lay a foundation for the company to develop relationships with other African countries.
“JA Solar will continue its commitment to providing higher-quality solar products for markets across the globe, as we continue to pursue the highest quality in our products in order to best serve our customers,” he said.
In the same statement China MCC27 Group indicated that it would expedite the construction of the Munyati solar power plant as it bids to play a part in reducing the power deficit in the country.
“We are dedicated to making the Munyati solar project the first completed solar project in Zimbabwe, to serve the electricity needs of the Zimbabwean people,” read part of the statement.
Zimbabwe, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is facing a severe shortage of electricity. Currently, the majority of the country’s electricity is supplied by one large thermal power station, three smaller thermal power stations and a hydropower station. These power plants fail to meet the country’s electricity demand, as nearly a half of the power generation units have been out of service for several years. This, coupled with inordinate consumption of electricity by mining companies, has resulted in sweeping blackouts in cities across the country.
Over the past two years, the Zimbabwean Government has sped up the construction of power projects, including the three large-scale ground-mounted PV power plants. In an era where governments across the globe have been increasingly focused on the development of renewable energy, businesses that can meet this growing need will be faced with greater opportunities. — Business Reporter/Online
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