Zim Now Reporter
China-Zim Green Energy and Technology Corporation has applied to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority for a license to construct, own, and operate an 85MW solar photovoltaic plant at Muzvondiwa Business Centre in Zvishavane, Midlands Province.
The proposed project includes a 132kV transmission line connecting the plant to the Mapanzure substation and the existing Zvishavane-Unki transmission line.
ZERA has invited public objections or representations regarding the application within 14 days of publication, with a deadline of March 21, 2025.
This initiative adds to the growing portfolio of Chinese investments in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, significantly enhancing the country’s power generation capacity.
The Hwange Thermal Power Station underwent a substantial expansion with the commissioning of Units 7 and 8, each contributing 300MW, adding a total of 600MW to the national grid.
The US$1.5 billion project, completed in August 2023, was executed by China’s Sinohydro Corporation. The expansion increased the station’s total capacity to 1,520MW, playing a pivotal role in reducing power shortages and fostering economic stability in Zimbabwe.
In March 2018, the Kariba South Hydro Power Station saw the addition of two units, each generating 150MW, thereby increasing its capacity from 750MW to 1,050MW.
This US$533 million expansion project was also undertaken by Sinohydro. The enhanced capacity has been instrumental in alleviating power shortages and diminishing the country’s reliance on electricity imports.
Centragrid (Pvt) Limited operates a solar plant in Nyabira, approximately 45km west of Harare. The plant’s first phase, delivering 2MW, commenced operations in August 2019.
An expansion to 25MW was completed and commissioned in August 2024, contributing to Zimbabwe’s renewable energy targets. Centragrid plans further expansions, aiming to add 60MW in the next phase, with a long-term goal of reaching 100MW.
Collectively, existing projects account for an additional 925 MW to Zimbabwe’s energy capacity, while expansion and other planned projects like the Kariba floating solar farm could potentially add double that amount to the national grid.
China has played a significant role in bolstering the nation’s power infrastructure and supporting its economic development.
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