- Solar projects could reach approximately 700MW over the next two to three years.
- According to Dr Gata, solar power will play a large role in Zimbabwe energy future.
Dr Sydney Gata, executive chairman of Zesa Holdings, told the Zimbabwe-Dubai Business Conference in the United Arab Emirates that Southern Africa will further exploit the potential in renewable energy to boost generation and end electricity shortages.
Southern Africa has significant renewable energy, with two major dams on the Zambezi River and additional schemes on the Kafue and Congo Rivers generating hydropower. In addition, solar is being added to the mix, though current capacity remains small.
During a presentation on investment opportunities in SADC, Dr Gata stated that investors were welcomed and would find markets because the region lacked electricity. Dr Gata referred to dam-based hydroelectric schemes that can effectively store solar and wind power.
“Globally, it is acknowledged that governments alone cannot fund the electricity sector to the extent required. Independent power producers are already playing an important role in the subregion, with Zimbabwe licensing 94 of them.” Gata explained.
He further stated that the most significant contribution would come from grid-scale solar projects, which he estimates will contribute approximately 700MW over the next two to three years.