Mnangagwa commissions 10MW Glovers Solar Plant in Kwekwe as government pushes renewable energy

Mnangagwa commissions 10MW Glovers Solar Plant in Kwekwe as government pushes renewable energy
For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KPKHV62YLF92BvfqmgemLT

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commissioned the first phase of the Glovers Solar Plant in Munyati, Kwekwe, a renewable energy project that is expected to add power to Zimbabwe’s national grid, improve electricity supply for industry and cut reliance on imported power.

According to details released at the commissioning, Phase One is generating up to 10 megawatts (MW). The plant is planned to scale up to more than 110MW at full capacity, and is expected to generate about 20 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.

The facility has more than 18,000 solar panels supported by more than 30 inverters, as well as two smart transformers.

Mnangagwa said the project fits into government’s broader drive to diversify power sources and to build resilience in the face of climate-related energy pressures.

“This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to diversify the national energy mix and build resilience against climate change and associated energy challenges,” Mnangagwa said.

He added that projects of this kind are important for economic development, including agriculture and rural growth. “Further, projects of this nature are of critical importance with regards to modernisation, industrialisation, increased agricultural productivity and, of course, the development of rural industrial systems,” he said.

To Advertise Inbox Us: https://wa.me/263719679800

The project was funded 51% by the Public Service Commission’s pension fund. Mnangagwa said the development reflects investor confidence in the country’s economic reform agenda and highlighted that it is among the early projects implemented under the Government Project Support Agreement framework.

He said the framework is meant to encourage renewable energy investment by providing what he described as investor comfort measures, including cost-effective or cost-reflective tariffs, guaranteed uptake of electricity generated, and offshore repatriation of dividends.

Mnangagwa also urged communities and stakeholders to protect strategic infrastructure, warning against vandalism and corruption linked to national investments. “We must protect our assets. A solar panel stolen today means a job lost tomorrow. Guard this project like you guard your own homes,” he said. He added that anyone who steals capital, vandalises infrastructure or demands bribes from investors is “an enemy of government”.

Public Service Commission chairperson Vincent Hungwe said the solar farm was undergoing a comprehensive actuarial evaluation of its assets and liabilities to strengthen investment decisions. “This process will sharpen our investment posture, ensuring that decisions remain prudent, sustainable and responsive to emerging realities in the country,” Hungwe said.

Hungwe also invited other investors to work with the pension fund on projects that secure pensions while supporting the economy. “We have also deliberately positioned the fund as a credible and trusted investment partner and, in this regard, we extend an open invitation to like-minded investors to collaborate with us in scaling impactful investments that secure pensions while building the productive capacity of our nation,” he said.

Acting chairperson of New Glovers Solar Company, Ainos Ngadya, said the project will continue expanding in phases, with the next stage expected to raise output towards 20MW.

Officials said the project has created jobs, stimulated local enterprise and contributed to socio-economic development in surrounding communities.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for all the News from Mashonaland Central – Bindura, Mbire, Guruve, Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Shamva, Mazowe & Muzarabani: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacMUmW5fM5a666kb33A