Sany Silicon begins 10MW Solar Plant, sets 3 month...

Sany Silicon begins 10MW Solar Plant, sets 3 months completion target

Oscar J Jeke

ZimNowReporter

Chinese renewable giant Sany Silicon Energy has launched construction of Zimbabwe’s first industrially scaled solar project under an "EP+F" (Engineering-Procurement + Financing) model, a breakthrough for energy-hungry mining operations.

The 10 MW plant for Runtu Mining—Sany’s first African venture using this tailored approach—aims for completion in just 3 months, leveraging integrated financing to overcome capital barriers that long stalled infrastructure projects.

“This project is Sany Silicon Energy's first photovoltaic power generation project in Zimbabwe, and it is also the first African project to customize the core financial demands of customers with the ‘EP+F’ innovation model,” the company said in a statement.

Using “the most cutting-edge 710W high-efficiency PV modules independently developed and manufactured by Sany Silicon Energy,” the plant will also be equipped with “advanced inverters and high-strength brackets, which are efficient in power generation and adaptable to complex environments.”

The venture, set for completion by December 2025, promises to alleviate chronic power shortages while creating a replicable blueprint for sustainable development across Africa.

The Bigger Picture: EP+F as an Infrastructure Game-Changer

Traditional Challenges	EP+F Impact in Zimbabwe
High upfront costs deterring investors	De-risked financing attracts private capital
Slow project rollout (years)	3-month deployment model
Foreign dependency for tech/funds	Localized solutions + knowledge transfer
Isolated energy projects	Gateway to microgrids/EV infrastructure

The company said the plant will generate 18 million kWh of electricity annually—enough to power Runtu’s mining operations and supply surplus energy to surrounding communities in Zimbabwe’s grid-starved regions.

"For over a decade, industries here have battled blackouts," said a Runtu Mining executive. "This plant secures our operations and recharges local livelihoods."

At the project’s core is Sany’s EP+F innovation, a first in Africa—which merges

Engineering: Custom solar tech adapted to local conditions,

Procurement: Direct sourcing of equipment to slash costs,

Financing: Flexible payment solutions that reduce upfront burdens.

Uninterrupted power for mining—a $2.98B GDP pillar—safeguards jobs and exports. The chairman of Runtu Mining was quoted as saying “that he looks forward to deepening cooperation with Sany in the fields of microgrids, heavy truck electrification, and charging and swapping facilities in the future.”

Sany declared the project a “replicable model for overseas clean-energy partnerships.”