Renewable energy company RAVENSUS (Pvt) Ltd has received the go-ahead from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) to establish a 50 megawatts solar power plant in Shangani, Insiza District, and Matabeleland South. As the demand for energy supply rises with increased investment in the country, industry leaders are collaborating with the government to drive more investments in renewable energy sources.
The approval of the 50MW solar power plant in Shangani marks another significant step towards achieving Zimbabwe’s renewable energy goals and strengthening the country’s power supply infrastructure
According to a statement released by the company, the solar plant will be constructed at Kranspoort farm in Shangani. ZERA issued a notice granting the generation license to RAVENSUS Pvt Ltd, allowing them to own, operate, and maintain the 50MW solar photovoltaic power plant for the purpose of electricity generation and supply.
The economic progress achieved under the Second Republic has revitalized both domestic and foreign investor confidence through extensive ease-of-doing-business reforms. To meet the power demands of various high-impact economic projects, collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential since the national power utility, Zesa, cannot achieve this alone. Consequently, several private sector players are embarking on renewable energy projects, particularly solar, to alleviate the burden of load shedding and sustain uninterrupted operations.
THE POSITIVE IMPACT THAT POWER PLANTS HAVE BROUGHT TO ZIMBABWE.
The 2023 National Budget statement revealed that ZERA has licensed over 60 independent power producers (IPPs) in the renewable energy sector, with a combined capacity of generating 2000MW. This number continues to grow as new players enter the market.
Also read: Zimbabwe Mimosa solar power plant construction plans underway
Energy efficiency plays a vital role in the National Development Strategy (NDS-1) as Zimbabwe strives to achieve its vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited, a diversified agro-industrial concern, has invested in a 564 kilowatts solar power plant for its Beitbridge factory, aiming to generate power for its own consumption.
