ZPC seeks to set up three 100MW solar power plants

The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) has applied to set up three solar power plants in the country. This is in a move to improve the supply of electricity. The power plants, each with 100MW capacity, will be in Gwanda, Matobo and Munyati.

“The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority is in receipt of an application from the Zimbabwe Power Company. They will construct, own, operate and maintain the proposed 100 MW Insukamini Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant at Valindre Farm of Matobo district in Matabeleland South Province.” the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) said this in a recent statement.

Recently, ZPC sought permission from the State Procurement Board to cancel a $113 million contract for repowering of Munyati Power Station awarded in 2015 to an Indian firm Jaguar Overseas Limited, citing delays in securing funding for the project.

At the moment, ZPC is  undertaking a multi-million extension of Kariba Power Station. This is by a further 300MW from the current capacity of 750MW. Chinese firm Sino Hydro is undertaking the expansion work, with China also providing the bulk of the $533 million funding.

Zimbabwe’s electricity demand stands at 1,400MW. The actual generation is around 980MW. The imports from South Africa and Mozambique add to the remaining balance.

The southern African nation also plans to upgrade its oldest coal fired power plant, Hwange; in a $1.3 billion project.  In conclusion, this project is expected to increase generation capacity by 600MW. Conspicuously, the project has stalled as talks for a $1.1 billion loan from China Exim Bank have dragged on since 2014 and missed several restarts.