The construction of large 500MW solar power stations in Zimbabwe will proceed as Zimbabwe’s government is in talks with Skypower Global (CAYMAN). Skypower Global is a major solar company with headquarters in the United Arab Emirates.
During a recent cabinet meeting Zhemu Soda, minister of energy and power development presented an agreement framework between the two parties.The agreement was reportedly discussed and approved at the end of the meeting.
Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa spoke at the end of the meeting. He said that the 500MW solar power stations in Zimbabwe will be constructed in phases. In addition, Mutsvangwa revealed that this initiative is taking place against a backdrop of already positive relationships between Zimbabwe and the UAE.
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The 500MW solar power station in Zimbabwe to complement hydro and thermal power stations
The 500MW solar power stations in Zimbabwe will complement the hydro and thermal power stations that are currently there and those that are under construction in the coutry. They will generate more energy than Hwange Thermal is currently producing. Moreover, it produce close to the 600MW coming online by early next year following the completion of the Hwange Extension.
Furthermore, the solar power station output will be about a third of what Hwange will produce once the extension is commissioned as well as the six units installed in the 1980s have been thoroughly reconditioned. The 500MW solar power stations will produce even more of the energy required to maintain high levels of economic growth.
Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings Limited, has to agree to purchase the power from Skypower at the set price in order for Skypower to build the stations.
Expectations for the project
The 500MW solar power stations in Zimbabwe will improve the green percentage in Zimbabwe’s energy mix. The thermal power plants currently under construction largely fill the gaps that have emerged.
With more enterprises and homes connected to the grid, economic growth will be able to continue to gain momentum.