The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has stated that seven solar PV projects with a total capacity of 66.6MW are now in advanced stages of construction and will be connected to the grid later this year. The projects include the 5 MW Wartrail Power Plant in Bulilimamangwe, the 5MW project in Hwange, Matabeleland North province, a 5MW Sunset Technologies Solar Park in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province. They also include a 20MW solar array in Seke, Mashonaland East province, a 25 MW Chidobe-Mizpah project in Hwange District, Matebeleland North, and another 5 MW Guruve Solar Park in Guruve District, Mashonaland Central province.
The six projects have all secured power purchase agreements ranging from 20 to 25 years with an unspecified power utility. A seventh project is currently under development. The 500kW hybrid solar-diesel project is being constructed by Kefalos Cheese Products in Mashonaland East province.
ZERA CEO Edington Mazambani noted that the fact that seven power plants are coming online by the end of the year is indicative of the robust regulations.