The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for a cumulative capacity of 235 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects at seven locations across the country.

The deadline for the submission of the EoI is September 30, 2019.

The seven solar projects include:

• GDE Bulilima solar energy project with a capacity of 50 MW at a farm in Bulilima district, Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe.
• National University of Science and Technology (NUST) solar projects with a capacity of 5 MW
• Gwayi Solar Project entails a capacity of 50 MW in Gwayi, Kusile district, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe.
• Rufaro solar farm project entails the development and establishment of a 50 MW solar photovoltaic power station and the construction of a 1 x4.3km 132kV Lynx line from the solar project to the existing Marondera – Bromley 132kV line.
• Sable solar farm project comprises of 50 MW (AC) solar project which will be located at a farm in Kwekwe, in the Midlands Province.
• Gutu solar farm project entails the development and establishment of a 20 MW solar photovoltaic power station in Gutu, Masvingo.
• Plumtree solar project is estimated to get a 10 MW solar project.

Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken the initiative to create a West Africa Clean Energy Corridor (WACEC) to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix of the region. The primary objective of WACEC is to support the development of utility-scale renewable energy-based power, to promote the integration of renewable energy sources into the West African power systems and to create a market for trans-border regional power trade.

In August 2019, Mercom had reported that the SOLA Group committed to set up 40 MW of solar projects in Southern Africa. It has secured 400 million Rand ($26.28 million) to build commercial and industrial solar PV facilities across Southern Africa. The renewable energy fund, called Orionis, will enable 40 MW of solar PV projects to be built without capital expenditure by the electricity off-takers.

Previously, it was reported that Zimbabwe announced the construction of its largest independent power producer (IPP) solar PV project. The Harava 22 MW utility-scale project will be developed on 40 hectares of land in Bwoni Village, Seke Rural district which is located South West of the city of Harare. The project focuses on improving the lives of local communities.

Anjana is a news editor at Mercom India. Before joining Mercom, she held roles of senior editor, district correspondent, and sub-editor for The Times of India, Biospectrum and The Sunday Guardian. Before that, she worked at the Deccan Herald and the Asianlite as chief sub-editor and news editor. She has also contributed to The Quint, Hindustan Times, The New Indian Express, Reader’s Digest (UK edition), IndiaSe (Singapore-based magazine) and Asiaville. Anjana holds a Master’s degree in Geography from North Bengal University, and a diploma in mass communication and journalism from Guru Ghasidas University, Bhopal.