Energy company Grid Africa has reached an agreement with a group of miners in Zimbabwe to build 200 megawatts (MW) of solar power for their operations, costing around US$180 million.
This deal comes as miners struggle to find reliable energy sources for their operations. ZESA Holdings, the country’s power utility, has been unable to meet the growing energy demand, and power blackouts have caused mining companies to lose an estimated US$500 million in revenue.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/business-digest/article/200035304/grid-africa-zim-mines-strike-200mw-solar-deal">Zimbabwe Independent</a> during the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in Victoria Falls this week, Grid Africa CEO Norman Moyo shared details of the agreement. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Today, in Zimbabwe, we are focusing on developing 200MW for the mines.
The mines need 200MW worth of power, and we have now concluded a deal to supply that power to the mines.
A 200MW (project) requires anything up to US$180 million. That is the level of investment you need to put in.
We have got a number of strategic partners — our banking partners who are coming through. We have equity investors and development agencies coming through to support us in developing these mines.
We have already commenced. You will start to see, over the next three years, all that 200MW (project) beginning to come online.
However, we do it in (phases). For us, we are very happy to do a 20MW mine and we move on to the next mine.
Those are smaller projects, quick (and) easy to execute, but they add up very quickly. So that is how we are going to be rolling out that.
We are not going to build one big plant. We don’t think it is the most efficient (way to do it).
</blockquote>
At the summit, Grid Africa signed a major deal with Africa GreenCo Group to generate 100MW of electricity for mines in Zimbabwe.
According to the agreement, Grid Africa will produce the power, and Africa GreenCo Group will manage its delivery to the mines.
Lion Mashiri, director of Africa GreenCo Zimbabwe, stated that the 100MW project will cost about US$70 million. Said Mashiri:
<blockquote>
This project will be on land in the Midlands Province around Kwekwe. It will be done at the farm surrounding ZIMASCO.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe needs between 1,800MW and 2,200MW of electricity, depending on the season. However, as of Friday, November 22, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) reported that power generation was much lower, with Hwange producing 1,084MW, Kariba 124.5MW, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) contributing 50MW, totalling 1,258.5MW.
The government has set ambitious electricity goals for 2030, aiming to generate 2,100MW from renewable sources by that year.
As part of its Renewable Energy Policy, the country also plans to achieve 1,100MW by 2025, reducing reliance on traditional hydroelectric power, which has been impacted by irregular rainfall and climate change.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwean miners and Grid Africa struck a deal to build 200MW solar power, costing $180 million. Miners need reliable energy as power cuts have caused $500 million in losses. Grid Africa's CEO, Norman Moyo, shared details of the deal at a summit. Another deal for 100MW of power was signed with Africa GreenCo Group. Zimbabwe has electricity shortages, with plans to generate more power from renewables by 2030. The country aims to reduce reliance on hydroelectric power due to climate change.

Zimbabwean Miners, Grid Africa Strike 200MW Solar Power Deal

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) plans to invest US$62 million in a home solar systems project aimed at rural households, as part of the government’s initiative to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. The project targets 500,000 households.
This was made by Milton Munowadafa, ZESA’s managing director for the Eastern region, during the ninth Infrastructure and Investment Summit organised by the Global Renaissance, which commenced in Nyanga on Monday. Said Munowadafa (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zesa-to-power-500-000-rural-homes-with-solar-farirai-machivenyika-in-nyanga-senior-reporter-power-utility-zesa-is-planning-to-invest-62-million-in-a-home-solar-systems-project-targeting-rural-hous/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
ZESA would like to launch an innovative solar home systems project aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030, recognising that extending the traditional grid to remote areas remains a logistical problem that is economically challenging, and ZESA has devised a sustainable solution to empower those under-serviced communities.
The initiative involves the distribution of solar home systems to remote customers under a pay-as-you-go arrangement, thereby making renewable energy accessible and affordable.
This model not only facilitates payment flexibility but also ensures that energy is both sustainable and economically viable for rural households.
The first phase of this ambitious project targets a roll-out to about 500,000 clients. This significantly advances ZESA’s commitment to energy inclusivity and sustainable growth.
By leveraging solar technology, ZESA is set to transform the energy landscape, providing reliable, clean, and affordable energy solutions to the most remote areas of the nation.
</blockquote>
ZESA is facing challenges in generating sufficient power to meet national demand, leading to daily load shedding of up to 15 hours in many parts of the country.
As of Monday, October 14, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of ZESA, was generating only 789 MW from Hwange and 184 MW from Kariba, which is less than half of the country’s total electricity requirements.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA wants to give solar energy to 500,000 rural homes to help them get electricity. They will spend $62 million on this project. They will use solar panels in areas that are hard to reach with normal electricity. People can pay slowly for the solar panels instead of all at once. ZESA hopes this project will help more people have clean and cheap energy. Currently, ZESA is struggling to provide enough power to everyone, which causes outages for up to 15 hours a day. This solar project aims to solve this problem.

ZESA Targets 500,000 Rural Households In Solar Energy Programme

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that the government is in the process of developing two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 250 megawatts, aimed at increasing Zimbabwe’s power generation and alleviating the widespread electricity shortages currently experienced across the country.
Zimbabwe’s power deficit has been exacerbated by decreased water levels at the country’s primary hydroelectric plant in Kariba, resulting in a sharp reduction in the water available for power generation.
In addition to the recently commissioned Hwange 7 and 8 Units in 2023, the President said that these two new solar power facilities will be brought online soon. He said:
<blockquote>
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 &amp; 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 250 megawatts are being developed and will soon be commissioned.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s current electricity demand stands at approximately 1,800 MW, but as of August 13, 2024, the country was able to generate a total of only 1,108 MW.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to build two big solar power plants in Zimbabwe to make more electricity. There is not enough power in Zimbabwe because the main hydroelectric plant doesn't have enough water. The new solar plants will help make up for this. The new plants will make 250 megawatts of power. The President thinks that having more electricity will help the country grow. Right now, Zimbabwe needs 1,800 megawatts of power but only has 1,108 megawatts.

Mnangagwa Announces New 250MW Solar Plants

Villagers apprehended four suspected armed robbers who pounced on Obva Clinic in Mashonaland West Province at midnight on 6 April 2023.
The four suspects were subsequently arrested by the police after their plan failed.
The suspects were identified as Tinashe Mangwiro(32) from Unit L, Chitungwiza, Forgive Mupanganyemba(38) from Kuwadzana 4, Samuel Makazhu(48) from Kuwadzana 7 and Raphael Magunda(21) from Musona Village under Chief Magonde in Kenzamba.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Mashonaland Province Inspector Margaret Chitove confirmed the arrest of the suspects.
She said the suspects were armed when they pounced at Obva Clinic on 6 April at around midnight.
The suspects arrived at the clinic and broke the main gate and proceeded to the mothers’ shelter and threatened to kill the security guard who was posted there.
Two members of the gang reportedly held the security guard hostage in another room.
The other two suspects broke the solar batteries cabinet and disconnected the entire clinic’s wiring system.
Sister Denya, a nurse at the clinic called out for help after she noticed the sudden power cut alerting villagers who came to the rescue.
The villagers intercepted the gang which was carrying one solar battery approximately 300 metres from the crime scene.
Sensing danger, the suspects dumped the battery and jumped into their getaway car, a Toyota Wish.
But the villagers gave chase and eventually caught up with them along the road leading to Kenzamba where their gateaway car had had a breakdown.
Three of the suspects fled from the car but they were later apprehended by the villagers while they sought transport to flee the area.
The matter was reported to the police and the solar battery worth US$1 000 was recovered.
Speaking to <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/04/08/four-armed-robbers-nabbed/">ZBC News</a>, Inspector Chitove urged members of the public to work together with the police and help catch criminals. She said:
<blockquote>
We would like to applaud members of the public who worked earnestly and showed resilience and unity of purpose in the apprehension of suspects.
We also urge members of the public to join hands with the police to arrest criminals.
</blockquote>
According to a <a href="https://www.safeguard.co.zw/safeguard-crime-report-april-2022/">Safeguard Crime Report</a> for April 2022, crime increased by 12%, with burglaries increasing by 33%.
The report said a majority of crime incidents occurred between 00:00 and 04:00.
It also revealed that a number of successful break-ins were prevented by the presence of an alert guardian and the sounding of an alarm.
<h2>Tips to Prevent Burglary</h2>
<ul>
<li>Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.</li>
<li>Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed.</li>
<li>Keep your garage door closed and locked.</li>
<li>Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away.</li>
<li>Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.</li>
<li>Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.</li>
<li>Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.</li>
<li>Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.</li>
<li>Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.</li>
<li>Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.</li>
<li>Don’t share your vacation plans on social media.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Villagers Apprehend Four Solar Battery Thieves

Chinese state-owned energy conglomerate, China Energy Engineering Corporation has proposed building a 1 000-megawatt floating solar farm for Zimbabwe on Lake Kariba.
The company said the civil engineering works would cost US$186 million and installation US$801 million, reported <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-27/china-energy-proposes-1-billion-floating-solar-farm-in-zimbabwe?srnd=premium-africa#xj4y7vzkg">Bloomberg</a>.
According to an official report that was prepared for China Energy and potential private equity funders by the company, more than 1.8 million photovoltaic panels installed over 146 modular floating units would be used for the project on Lake Kariba if it went ahead.
China Energy has installed floating panels on China’s Dingzhuang River and in Thailand, the company said in the presentation.
The Kariba report was prepared for Zimbabwe Power Co., CDF Trust Ltd., Energy China Ltd., and the Intensive Energy Users Group.
The project would power mining operations in the country and also help Zimbabwe reduce its carbon emissions.
The main benefit of floating solar is that it doesn’t take up valuable space on land – meaning that it can be used for other purposes, such as farming or construction.
Zimbabwe is facing acute electricity shortages that have resulted in blackouts lasting 18 hours a day for millions of citizens.
The power cuts are being caused by low water levels that have reduced generation from a hydropower plant on Lake Kariba as well as frequent breakdowns at the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Power Utility Proposes US$1 Billion Floating Solar Farm On Lake Kariba

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has started buying solar power from households.
So far, 117 households and businesses with solar power are selling their surplus to ZETDC under the power utility’s Net Metering programme.
Net Metering enables consumers who generate excess solar energy on their premises to feed the excess back into the ZETDC network via a grid-tied inverter. 
Those with solar power, a grid-tied inverter and the smart meter can sell electricity into the grid in return for electricity tokens they use when they do not have sufficient renewable supply.
According to ZETDC, as of January 2023, 117 connections had been made out of the 175 successful applications that were received, with the remaining applications still being evaluated.
ZETDC said that the connected installed capacity stood at 4.9MW, while the total capacity for all the applications received is at 12.5MW.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zesa-starts-buying-solar-power-from-households/">The Herald</a>, ZESA stakeholder relations communications and welfare manager George Manyaya said:
<blockquote>
The system starts with solar panels that convert energy from the sun into electricity, an inverter then converts the electricity produced by the solar panels from direct current alternating current for use in your home, school, or business.
Finally, the installed bi-directional meter measures the energy used and excess energy produced which is passed on to the grid
The customer gets their proportional electrical power units credited to their ZETDC account and not in monetary value.
Customers can pass on their surplus generated energy to ZETDC. This power is then used to offset electric energy provided by ZETDC to the customer during an applicable billing period.
</blockquote>
This means that the electricity for those on net metering will be cheaper whenever they recharge or pay a post-paid bill.

ZESA Starts Buying Solar Power From Its Customers

Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC has brought its new solar power plant at its Blanket mine in Zimbabwe on stream.
Blanket currently receives its power from ZESA, but in recent years, the electricity supply has not been reliable and this has both economic and safety implications for the underground mine.
Caledonia started constructing the 12.2 MWac solar plant late in 2021.
The solar plant is now operational, and in due course, it is expected that it will provide approximately 27% of Blanket’s average daily electricity demand. Mark Learmonth, chief executive of Caledonia, said:
<blockquote>
I am delighted that the solar plant is connected to the Blanket grid and from today Blanket will start to receive some of its energy directly from solar.
With 21 per cent of Blanket’s on-mine costs relating to energy usage, this solar plant is a very important project for the company as it will improve the quality and security of Blanket’s electricity supply and provide environmental benefits through cleaner energy.
The solar power will displace more expensive power from the grid and from the diesel generators and is expected to reduce Caledonia’s consolidated cost per ounce of gold produced by approximately US$37.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/998222/caledonia-mining-brings-new-solar-power-generation-capability-on-stream-at-the-blanket-gold-mine-998222.html">Proactive</a>

Caledonia Mining brings New Solar Power On Stream At Blanket Mine

Zimplats Holdings says it is mulling plans to build a 160MW solar power station to guarantee constant electricity supplies for its operations.
With the country experiencing a huge electricity deficit due to low generation at Kariba power station, among other factors, the mining industry has been negatively impacted.
In an emailed response to questions from The Herald, Zimplats said:
<blockquote>Zimplats is investigating the possibility of establishing a 160MW solar power station in an effort to ensure affordable, uninterrupted power supply to our operations and support the Government’s thrust on industrial linkages.
The company through its technical partners is conducting a feasibility study which will determine the total project cost, scope, risk, funding strategy and timelines for completion.
The feasibility study will be complete by July 2019.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zimplats-to-build-160mw-solar-farm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

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