ZPC eyes solar power

smaller ones we intend to put establish solar power plants to replace the mini-power stations in Zvishavane and Mutare, which are not in operation,” said Mr Gwariro.
He was speaking at a Zimbabwe Energy Council event on renewable energy in Harare yesterday.
This marks the first significant step by the national power company to move towards alternative energy sources.
ZPC recently indicated that it had completed feasibility studies for a mini-hydro power plant at Gaerezi in Nyanga, which would be set up at a cost of US$90 million.
The move by the power company to focus on the rehabilitation of small power stations is part of its broader strategy to improve electricity supplies in the country.
“There is, however, a need for these and other new targeted energy projects to be supported by a clear tariff that guarantees a return for the investor,” he hastened to add.
Mr Gwariro’s call for an effective tariff regime follows observations that the current Zesa tariff is inadequate to strengthen the authority’s capacities to rehabilitate the country’s electricity infrastructure.
On the other hand, observers note that if Zesa increases its tariff any further, it is unlikely to get any significant return due to consumers’ current inability to pay.
Meanwhile, Minister of Science and Technology Development Professor Heneri Dzinotyiweyi, who spoke at the same event, lamented the slow implementation of indicated energy infrastructure projects.
“Things move too slowly. It’s not just on energy issues, you see the same even in the critical area of agriculture,” he said.
Minister Dzinotyiweyi also lamented the country’s slow implementation of alternative energy projects.
“We have not moved at all in terms of alternative sources of energy, although debate has been going on since the 1980s because we lack clear goals, strategies and timelines.”
He, however, said the second policy on Science and Technology that was launched earlier this year would assist in that respect.
Observers, however, note that huge capital outlay is the major challenge facing the country in setting up alternative energy projects.
German Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Hans-Gunter Gnodtke said Zimbabwe could draw lessons                  from Germany’s experience in the utilisation of alternative energy sources.
“Capital is a challenge everywhere. What we did is that the consumer pays for the establishment of new alternative energy infrastructure since this is charged in their current electricity tariff,” he said.