The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has signed a power purchasing agreement with a South African firm, Matshela Energy Limited, for a 100MW solar plant in Gwanda.
“Matshela Energy is pleased to announce 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.”Matshela Energy managing director Mr Matshela Koko said.
Matshela Energy is licensed in terms of Section 42 of the Electricity Act to construct, operate and maintain the 100MW solar power station and associated battery storage facility of 40MWh at Gwanda Timber Farm.
“This is a landmark achievement by Matshela Energy, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), ZETDC, the Department of Energy and Power Development in Zimbabwe and other related parties,” he added.
Meanwhile, The project is touted as one of the biggest renewable solar projects in the country and the Southern Africa region.
Zimbabwe has turned to solar energy generation projects to supplement low levels of electricity.
Approximately 100MW expected from the Gwanda solar plant will go a long way in reducing the electricity deficit.
In announcing the deal yesterday, Matshela Energy director Matshela Koko said the solar plant project is one of the largest in the country and the region.
