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plant would be set up in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, once regulatory approvals have been obtained.
The proposal has already been submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Power Development.

“The first 10MW module can be connected to the grid and deliver power approximately six weeks after commencement of the construction phase,” according to the project proposal. “Further 10MW modules can be (gradually) connected to the grid every two to four weeks.”

Greenfield Solar has been involved in various solar projects, having built over 45 ground-mounted rooftop installations throughout Europe. They are also renowned suppliers of PV modules, complete rooftop systems and solar-powered greenhouses.

The planned project would tap the solar energy using panels mounted on the ground, with modular inverters which would then send the power to generators and then to the transmission station that would be connected to the national grid.

Construction of the renewable energy power plant would take between nine months to a year. All the equipment for the solar farm would be sourced from China and comes with back-up service and a 25-year guarantee.
The lifespan of the plant has been put at 40 years.

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Contacted for comment, Greenfield Europa Solar projects manager Mr Rainer Moringer referred questions to their local partner, Intratrek Zimbabwe, owned by young businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo, who appeared reluctant to discuss the issue.

“I am not at liberty to discuss my personal business with the Press at this point,” he said. “All I can confirm is that we made a presentation to the relevant ministry and consultations are in progress. I will be in a position to give you more details later.”

Herald Business understands the US$350 million funding for the project has been secured from the African Import Export Bank over a 10-year period.
The US$350 million project comes in the wake of the proposed US$2 billion investment by China Africa Sunlight Energy in Gwayi for a coal mining, methane coal mining, methane coal bed gas extraction and power generation project.

The project envisages generating up to 400MW of power by 2015. The availability of power remained the biggest challenge facing the economy, with negative effects on production and productivity across all sectors, including households.

The country is producing an average of 1 400MW, but requires 2 200MW during peak periods. To improve the country’s power situation, Government has awarded a contract to Sino Hydro, a Chinse company, to build an additional two units at Kariba  Hydropower Station at a cost of US$368 million.
The winner for the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station would be announced soon.