ZETDC signs 500 MW solar power agreement with UAE-based company

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) recently completed a significant power purchase agreement with Skypower, an energy company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Known as the Green Giant project, this landmark deal is poised to deliver 500 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to Zimbabwe, which will provide electricity to approximately 2 million households across the country.

The signing ceremony, attended by senior government officials including Minister of Energy and Energy Development Edgar Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UAE Lovemore Mazemo, Acting ZETDC Managing Director Abel Gurupira, and Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority Chairman Edington Tapera Mazambani, marks a crucial step forward in Zimbabwe’s energy landscape.

During the ceremony, Minister Moyo emphasized the importance of the solar energy project in the government’s strategy to combat climate change and reduce CO2 emissions. He emphasized the direct integration of solar energy into the national electricity grid, highlighting its role in increasing energy security and promoting Zimbabwe’s transition to a green economy.

“The solar power plants will supply directly to our national electricity grid. This partnership is a beacon of our commitment to increasing energy security, achieving self-sufficiency and transitioning to a green economy,” said Minister Moyo.

The genesis of this transformative partnership dates back to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Zimbabwe and the UAE, Skypower, at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh. Minister Moyo underlined the importance of this agreement in promoting a sustainable and prosperous future for Zimbabwe.

Acting Director of ZETDC, Abel Gurupira, highlighted the immediate impact of the solar projects in alleviating the country’s ongoing power shortages. He emphasized the market’s willingness to absorb the additional energy generated and emphasized the importance of financial preparedness and cost-reflective tariffs to ensure the sustainable success of the project.

“The market is therefore ready to take over this power. In terms of financial preparedness and cost-reflective tariffs, ZETDC has established cost-reflective tariffs, which ensure that we have the capacity to pay for the energy generated. This financial willingness is key to the sustainable success of the project,” confirms Gurupira.

The Green Giant project involves the construction of three large solar power plants in strategic locations in Zimbabwe. These include a 100 MW solar power plant in Manhizhe, Midlands Province, a 70 MW plant in Mazowe District, Central Mashonaland Province, and a 130 MW plant in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.

With the signing of this landmark agreement, Zimbabwe is taking a significant step towards harnessing renewable energy sources to meet growing electricity demand, promote sustainable development and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.