Zimbabwe to end load shedding, become energy leade...

Zimbabwe to end load shedding, become energy leader with ambitious solar power plan

Oscar J Jeke

In a move set to revolutionise Zimbabwe's energy sector, local power company Power Giants Transmission signed a landmark partnership deal with Chinese energy giant GNEE on Friday.

This collaboration aims to establish numerous solar power stations across the country, feeding into the national grid and ultimately ending the nation's reliance on power imports. The multi-stage project will see an initial 300MW injected into the grid within the next two years.

This will be achieved through the construction of a series of 50MW solar power stations. Following this initial phase, the project will be expanded to reach a staggering 2,000MW by 2026, culminating in a total generation capacity of 4,000MW by 2028.

The partnership prioritises rural areas across all 10 of Zimbabwe's provinces. This strategic focus aims to stimulate rural industrialisation by providing a reliable source of electricity, attracting further investment in these regions and aligning with the government's development vision. Dr. Edzai Kachirekwa, Founder and CEO of Power Giants Transmission, expressed immense enthusiasm about the project's potential to transform Zimbabwe's energy landscape.

He highlighted the nation's significant lag in transmission, generation, and energy technology, but vowed to bridge this gap within three years. Dr Kachirekwa also confidently predicted an end to load shedding within the next two years, with the ultimate goal being complete self-sufficiency in energy generation, eliminating the need for imports from neighboring countries.

Government Policies Praised for Fostering Investment Dr Kachirekwa commended the government's sound policies that make Zimbabwe an attractive investment destination, particularly within the energy sector.

He specifically emphasised the alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal number seven, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. GNEE CEO, Wang Ke, echoed the excitement surrounding the partnership, highlighting their commitment to bringing advanced Chinese solar products and technologies to Zimbabwe.

Mr Wang pledged to deploy their most skilled project management and construction teams to ensure swift project completion, adherence to the highest quality standards, and a rapid reduction in Zimbabwe's power shortages.

GNEE brings a wealth of experience to the table, having delivered similar projects in over 40 countries. Their expertise spans constructing transmission lines, substations, and new energy power generation facilities, making them ideally suited for this ambitious undertaking.