What we know about Zimbabwe's first solar powered energy station.

Highly motivated by the power cuts in Zimbabwe, Qetello Zeka, Total Zimbabwe’s managing director said the company has installed solar panels at 6 of its stations and also plans to equip another 44, stations.

Furthermore, the company will be investing $4million in solar-powered gas stations, with a master plan for the next five years to solarise half of its service stations in Zimbabwe. 

The solar initiative is part of a colossal project to mount solar-powered service stations across 57 African countries, in an effort to achieve a portfolio of low-carbon operations, that will amount to at least 20% of the energy conglomerate’s trading by 2040.

‘’This shift is a more efficient solution which will reduce operating costs [as well as] energy dependence on the [national] grid and also minimize the usage of alternatives like generators by 30%,” Zeka said in a statement.

Over the years, the consistent power cuts in the south African country have increased service stations dependent on generators, unfortunately, this is in tandem with the cost of operation and environmental pollution.

Considering the noise and sound pollution caused by generators, the development by Total in solar panels, is an advancement on the use of environmentally sources of energy in Zimbabwe.

According to Energypedia ‘’Zimbabwe’s electricity access stands at 40%, access to electricity in rural areas (19%) is much lower than that in urban areas (80%) due to the prohibitive costs of extending national electricity grids.’’

The Zimbabwean government plans to boost the electrification rate to 85% by 2020. To realize this goal  ZESA tailored the plans with the aim of building another coal-fired power plant with a capacity of 1,400 MW Expand capacity at Hwange Power Station by 600 MW. The plan also includes adding 300 MW to the Kariba Dam Hydroelectric Power Station.

Nonetheless, the Zimbabwean government should consider financial initiatives (tax holiday and bank loans) that support companies willing to embrace alternative sources of energy, as this also favors the government in reducing the gap in electricity shortage.  

15 April 2020

VENTURES