The Nyabira solar station is undergoing an expansion project by Centragrid (Pvt) Ltd, being built by PowerChina to increase its capacity to 25 MW. The project is on track to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s energy capacity aiming to increase the solar station’s power output from the current 2.5MW to an impressive 25MW, with the installation of a massive 100-tonne transformer and transmission towers well underway.
As the first of over 1,000 towers is erected at the 50-hectare photovoltaic field (set to expand to 120 hectares), PowerChina’s progress in advancing sustainable energy solutions in Zimbabwe is evident. Independent power producers have been playing a crucial role in contributing around 50-60MW of power daily to the national grid, a figure expected to soar to approximately 600MW by 2030 as part of the government’s energy sufficiency agenda.
To manage the increased solar generation capacity effectively, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is gearing up to implement statistical metering at the Norton bulk supply point. This advanced metering system will enable real-time monitoring of power fed into the grid, accounting for losses along the transmission network and facilitating accurate billing between independent producers and ZETDC.
The shift towards solar energy as a primary source of power in Zimbabwe is becoming increasingly vital, especially with declining water levels in Lake Kariba due to reduced Zambezi River flows during recurrent droughts in Southern Africa. The Zambezi River Authority’s decision to curtail power generation capacity at the Kariba stations underscores the urgency of diversifying energy sources and expanding solar power generation capabilities to ensure energy security in the country.
As Zimbabwe navigates through challenging hydrological conditions and strives for energy self-sufficiency, projects like the Nyabira solar station expansion play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and resilient energy landscape for the nation.
Text by Natasha Munyukwa