SA firm to build massive solar plant in Gwanda

Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Business Reporter The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has signed a power purchasing agreement with a South African independent power producer, Matshela Energy Limited, for a 100MW solar plant in Gwanda.The  additional 100MW expected from the Gwanda solar plant will go a long way in reducing the electricity defict.In announcing the deal yesterday, Matshela Energy director Matshe Koko said the solar plant project is one of the largest in the country and the region.The 12MW solar plant is expected to provide 27 percent of the mine’s electricity requirements.

Similary, giant cement manufacturer, Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) Zimbabwe is embarking on a US$40 million solar plant project in Bulawayo and Colleen Bawn will boost the firm’s power requirements of 17MW with the excess 13MW being fed into the national grid.“Matshela Energy is pleased to announce that the power purchase agreement between the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and Matshela Energy (PTY) Limited for the 100MW solar PV Power plant has been concluded.