Staff Writer
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says two new solar plants totaling 250 megawatts (MW) are currently being developed.
The clean energy boost will help the country meet growing energy demands while reducing carbon emissions.
Speaking in the capital, Mnangagwa said the role of the energy and power sector in socio-economic development through industrialisation cannot be over-emphasised.
“Low power production levels at Kariba Power Station are being offset by the Hwange 7 & 8 expansion project, which now feeds a constant supply to the national grid. Among numerous power augmentation projects, two large solar plants with a total capacity of 250MW are being developed and will soon be commissioned,” he said.
Energy experts forecast that Zimbabwe is poised for significant growth in its solar energy sector. As the country grapples with power challenges exacerbated by prolonged dry seasons and frequent power cuts, the need for reliable and sustainable energy solutions has never been greater.
The country’s energy landscape is characterised by a significant reliance on thermal and hydropower sources which account for most of the power used in the country.
However, over the past two years, hydropower generation has been inconsistent due to prolonged dry seasons, with thermal power production increasing to compensate for the hydro losses.
