A 50-megawatt solar farm will be constructed at one of Bulawayo City Council’s (BCC) dams in Esigodini, Matebeleland South, after approval from the government was granted. Williams Engineering and the local government will collaborate to deliver the project.
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According to Mutsvangwa, the power plant will generate 40 jobs during operation and 200 jobs during construction. Upon completion, the 50-megawatt solar farm is anticipated to supply Bulawayo’s industries with reliable power in the designated special economic zones.
The Bulawayo water pumping station’s ongoing power issues are also expected to be addressed by the project’s generated electricity.
The deal entails a build operate Own and transfer structure over a concession period. This was revealed by Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, in a recent post-Cabinet briefing.
Who is behind the construction of the 50-megawatt solar farm
She said that a partnership between the Bulawayo City Council and Williams Engineering will build the 50-megawatt solar farm at Ncema Dam. With the support of the plant, Bulawayo industries in the designated special economic zones will have dedicated electricity. Additionally, Bulawayo City Council will have an alternative source of revenue.
Due to low water levels at the country’s major source of power, the Kariba Dam, among other factors, Zimbabwe is currently experiencing significant load shedding. This has led the country to go without electricity for an uninterrupted 19 hours.
The council of Bulawayo is also considering establishing solar farms in the city’s old cemeteries. The solar farms are as part of its efforts to reduce the city’s energy crisis. This is according to the deputy mayor, Mlandu Ncube.
For private players that want to invest in power, according to the deputy mayor, the council has provided the land. They have allocated two full cemeteries, at number six and West Park, to private investors so they can build solar farms.
More than 100 independent power producers have been issued licenses by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) to generate renewable energy. This includes gas, solar, and hydroelectricity.
