The government of Zimbabwe has issued a tender for construction of solar parks with a total capacity of 235 MW, in line with the nation’s goal to diversify its energy mix, putting an emphasis on renewable energy.
The projects’ tender which was issued by the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) include construction of two 50 MW solar parks in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, and in Kwekwe in the Midlands Province, respectively.
Two additional 50 MW PV farms will be installed in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province and in the Kusile District of Matabeleland North Province. The tender also covers 10 MW scheme planned to generate electricity for the national grid at an unspecified location, 20 MW plant will be developed in Gutu, Masvingo and five MW asset will be deployed at the National University of Science and Technology. The projects are currently either in preparation or planning stages.
Additionally, IDBZ is also awaiting bids for two mini-hydro projects at Osborne Dam and Odzani River. Both of them will supply power to the national grid.