Solar energy dominates licensed IPPs

30 .06.21

Renewable energy technologies dominate the licensed power projects under construction giving hope to increased cleaner and sustainable power supplies in the country by 2025.

According to the list of independent power producers (IPPs) released by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), seven solar PV projects are at an advanced stage of construction and are expected to come on line by end of the year.

The seven solar PV power projects have a combined installed capacity of 66.6MW while one coal fired plant under construction is set to bring in 50MW.

Chief Executive Officer of ZERA, Mr Edington Mazambani applauded the traction within the IPPs and in particular the renewable energy-oriented projects.

“We are happy with the pace of development particularly among the renewable energy projects. The fact that we are expecting seven power plants to come on line by end of year is a clear signal that we do have robust regulations that protect the investor and the consumer as well. As you are aware, energy is a key enabler of economic development,” said Mr. Mazambani.

ZERA licenses power projects that are above 100kW. To date, the energy regulator has 91 licensed power projects in its register.

The electricity license is valid for 30 years subject to meeting the periodic regulatory reviews.

The country is endowed with ideal solar irradiation for solar PV projects, perennial runoff the river sites for mini-hydro plants in the Eastern Highlands and several inland dams with potential for power generation.

The list of IPPs as at 31 May 2021 is on this link: state of IPPs in Zimbabwe