ZIM's US$100m Solar Park Nears Completion

Zimbabwe's US$100 million Mapanzure Solar Park in Zvishavane is nearing completion.

According to The Herald , the landmark investment is expected to inject substantial new renewable-energy capacity into the Midlands and provide a major boost to mining, manufacturing and other productive sectors.

The two-phase project under the China-Zim Green Energy project, covers approximately 150 hectares, is designed to deliver 100MW on the Direct Current side and 85MW on the Alternating Current side, with annual power generation projected at 200 million kilowatt-hours upon full completion.

Phase One, with a capacity of 60MW, is now at the final construction stage, while Phase Two will contribute a further 40MW.

Upon completion, the solar park is expected to generate 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, strengthening Zimbabwe’s power-generation capacity at a time when reliable electricity remains critical to economic expansion.

Recently,Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube toured the solar plant to assess progress of this vital project.

Speaking after the tour, the Minister said the Mapanzure project demonstrated the important role being played by independent power producers(IPP) in complementing existing national generation assets.

“The project is expected to complement power generated from major stations such as Hwange Thermal Power Station and Kariba Hydropower Station, while increasing the contribution of renewable energy to the national grid.

“Upon full completion and operation, the project will achieve an annual power generation of 200 milli-Kilowatt-hours,” Minister Ncube said.

The project is a testament of the deepening Zimbabwe-China relations.