Zimbabwe's first internationally financed solar power plant got a $1.5 million boost from InfraCo Africa, a unit of the Private Infrastructure Development Group. The 30-megawatt Vungu Solar facility aims to tackle energy access gaps and lure private investment to the renewable sector.
The deal, signed with local developer Energywise Equipment and Impala Power Company, marks a milestone in Zimbabwe's efforts to expand clean energy production and promote sustainable economic development.
"We're proud to partner with Energywise and Impala on this pioneering project, which aligns with PIDG's commitment to improving energy access in countries with significant gaps," Head of Business Development at InfraCo Africa, Omar Jabri, said in a joint statement announcing the deal on July 15.
Vungu Solar, selected as the preferred bidder in a national pilot programme, will pilot the government's standardized project documentation, potentially transforming the energy market and unlocking further private sector finance for solar projects.
The project aims to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals on clean energy access and climate action and demonstrate the viability of Zimbabwe's new standardized documentation for renewable energy projects as negotiations progress on a 25-year power purchase agreement.
"The solar power plant will produce 30MWac of electricity which is equivalent to carbon equivalent emission savings of c.75,000 tonnes per annum, a significant contribution to Zimbabwe's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions to the reduction of carbon emissions," Director, Energywise Equipment, Culven Chipfumbu, said, adding the project plans to implement gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive hiring practices.
Zimbabwe has struggled with power deficits and frequent outages that have hindered economic growth. Expanding renewable energy capacity could help reduce reliance on imports and improve electricity access for the population.
"We're proud to partner with Energywise and Impala on this pioneering project, which aligns with PIDG's commitment to improving energy access in countries with significant gaps," Head of Business Development at InfraCo Africa, Omar Jabri, said in a joint statement announcing the deal on July 15.
Vungu Solar, selected as the preferred bidder in a national pilot programme, will pilot the government's standardized project documentation, potentially transforming the energy market and unlocking further private sector finance for solar projects.
The project aims to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals on clean energy access and climate action and demonstrate the viability of Zimbabwe's new standardized documentation for renewable energy projects as negotiations progress on a 25-year power purchase agreement.
"The solar power plant will produce 30MWac of electricity which is equivalent to carbon equivalent emission savings of c.75,000 tonnes per annum, a significant contribution to Zimbabwe's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions to the reduction of carbon emissions," Director, Energywise Equipment, Culven Chipfumbu, said, adding the project plans to implement gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive hiring practices.
Zimbabwe has struggled with power deficits and frequent outages that have hindered economic growth. Expanding renewable energy capacity could help reduce reliance on imports and improve electricity access for the population.
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