Freedom Mupanedemo
Midlands Bureau
THE US$100 million Mapanzure Solar Park is entering the final stretch of construction, with the landmark investment expected to inject substantial new renewable-energy capacity into the Midlands and provide a major boost to mining, manufacturing and other productive sectors.
The China-Zim Green Energy project, being developed in two phases on approximately 150 hectares, will have a combined installed capacity of 100MW on the direct current side and 85MW on the alternating current side when fully operational.
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.
The investment is one of a growing number of energy projects being rolled out in the Midlands, positioning the province as an increasingly important centre for power generation and private-sector investment.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube toured the solar plant to get an appreciation of progress made this far.
Speaking after the tour, the Minister said the Mapanzure project demonstrated the important role being played by independent power producers 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.
For the Midlands economy, he said, the significance of the project extends beyond the additional megawatts.
Minister Ncube said the province is home to major mining and manufacturing operations whose expansion depends heavily on dependable electricity supplies.
“Additional generation capacity could, therefore, help unlock new investment, support increased production and improve the operating environment for businesses across the province.
The Mapanzure development is also part of a wider energy investment pipeline that is changing the province’s power landscape,” he said.
Minister Ncube cited the 5MW Vungu Dam Mini-Hydropower Plant, the 70MW Global Union Thermal Power Plant under construction in Kwekwe, the 20MW JINAN Almid Clover New Energy Solar Plant in Gweru and the 10MW Power Circle Solar Plant in Shurugwi, which is now 95 percent complete.
“The province also has the 96kW Gandavaroyi Solar Mini-Grid, while Government’s Presidential Solarisation Programme and biogas digesters are extending alternative energy solutions to rural households, schools, clinics and business centres,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the growing portfolio of projects is expected to diversify the Midlands’ energy base while creating opportunities for investment in mining, mineral beneficiation, agriculture, manufacturing and services.
“The investments reflected Government’s efforts to attract private capital into strategic infrastructure and expand electricity generation under the Second Republic. Partnerships with independent power producers were critical to complementing existing power stations and creating the energy foundation required to drive economic development,” he said.
Chief Mapanzure said the project underscored the increasing role of solar power in Zimbabwe’s energy strategy, with private investors responding to growing demand for alternative and reliable electricity sources.
Source: Zvishavane solar project nears completion – herald
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