Church invests in solar project

Chiwundura (New Ziana) – The Anglican Diocese of Central Zimbabwe has been licenced to set up a US$5 million solar power plant in Chiwundura, 23 kilometres from Gweru.

The project is one of several private sector-led investments in power generation the government has licenced in recent years as part of plans to increase electricity generation in the country.

Zimbabwe currently has a huge power deficit, which has forced the country to import electricity from neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Zambia.

But even the imports have failed to bridge the gap between power generation and consumption, and as a result, electricity is often rationed.

Anglican Diocese of Central Zimbabwe Bishop, Ignatius Makumbe said the power plant will have an initial capacity of five megawatts, which will later be doubled.

“We are planning to have a five-megawatt solar plant at our farm. We have done everything required and we have a certificate from ZERA (Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority) and we are now looking for funding partners, people who can partner us to fund this project,” he said.

“As we are doing the feasibility studies, it’s not everywhere in Zimbabwe where you can generate power commercially. We are very fortunate by God’s grace that where our farm is, it’s very conducive, it’s one of the best places for solar power generation at commercial level,” he said.

Bishop Makumbe said talks with possible contractors to carry out a feasibility study for the project were already underway, and once given the greenlight, construction will be completed in eight months.

New Ziana