CONSTRUCTION OF 178 MEGAWATT SOLAR POWER PLANT TO KICK-OFF IN ZIMBABWE

Construction of solar power plant set to kick-off in early 2020 which will increase electricity supply in Zimbabwe.

RioZim is set to kick-off construction of 178 megawatt solar plant after a chinese bank agreed to bankroll the project. The project will ameliorate the crippling power crisis buffeting the entire economy.

The deal with is worth US$200 million was signed by RioZim and Chinese firm, China Gezhouba Group International Engineering Corporation (CGGC). This fund will be use to build three solar plants with a combined output of 178MW.

According to reports, the project will be built in different locations. This location will also help provide power to the group’s mining operations namely Renco, Cam and Motor and Dalny Mine.

CEO of  RioZim Bheki Nkomo said in May 2019 that an agreement was made to pursue the project. He also said it will be in phases, which is an estimated investment of US$200 million.

BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT

The construction of the project is set to commence in January next year. With the engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contract partners have reportedly indicated that building the solar powered plant could last just 6 months.

Meanwhile, the project comes at a time when Zimbabwe is experiencing power shortage due to reduce generation. This reduce generation at Kariba South hydro power station is caused by drought in it catchment area.

Due to the drought, water level has drop to precarious levels which has made Zambezi River Authority to cut water allocation for power generation at Kariba South.

 

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