eBusiness Weekly
Kumbirai Tarusarira
The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) says it is looking for partners in the development and financing of renewable energy projects of up to 195 megawatt (MW) comprised of solar plants, mini-hydro, gas as well as geothermal Energy.
These key projects are expected to plug the energy supply gap in the country, guarantee long-term energy self-sufficiency and at the same time saving the scarce foreign currency used to import power from regional utilities.
The financier said it is looking to partner credible local and international investors, private individuals, and other investor institutions with reputable track records in the development, financing and construction or installation of solar and mini hydro renewable energy plants.
The bank has already undertaken a market scan to establish a database for interested firms to partner in these programmes.
IDBZ is currently working on fund raising for project implementation of Osborne mini hydro project the project, which entails the development and construction of a 1,7MW mini-hydro power plant at Osborne Dam situated approximately 35km from Mutare and 80km from Rusape.
Said the bank: “The project will help optimize economic benefits from Osborne Dam by generating clean energy for irrigation purposes and supplying the national grid. Feasibility studies were carried-out and the project is now at fund raising stage for project implementation.”
Rufaro Solar Farm project entails the development and establishment of a 50MW solar photovoltaic power station and construction Lynx line from the solar plant to the existing Marondera to Bromley 132kV.
“The energy from this plant will be fed directly into the national grid. This project is currently at preparation stage,” said IDBZ.
IDBZ is also seeking for potential partners for Sable Solar Farm project which involves the development and establishment of a 50MW solar energy plant to generate electricity that will be fed into the national grid. The solar plant will be located at a farm in Kwekwe, in the Midlands Province.
The bank is also calling for reputable investors who have proven experience in the development and financing of mini-hydro and solar projects for Gutu Solar Farm project, the project entails the and establishment of a 20MW solar photovoltaic power station in Gutu, Masvingo.
“The energy from this plant will be fed directly into the national grid. The project is currently at planning stage.”
Plumtree Solar Project also entails the establishment of an estimated 10MW solar energy plant to generate electricity to supply national grid, the project is at initiation stage. The Bank owns the land which measures 27 hectares in size.
GDE Bulilima solar energy project, which is at planning stage entails the establishment of a 50MW solar energy plant to generate electricity at a solar farm in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South the generated electricity will be fed into the national grid.
National University of Science and Technology (NUST) first solar energy project entails the development and establishment of an on-campus 5MW solar energy plant that will generate electricity to supply NUST.
“The surplus power generated will be fed into the national grid at the same time utilising the benefits of the net-metering system, and the project is at planning stage,” said IDBZ.
Gwayi solar project entails the establishment of a 50MW solar energy plant to generate electricity in Gwayi, Kusile District, and Matabeleland North Province and the generated electricity will be fed into the national grid.
The Bank’s thrust in the energy generation subsector is to also widen the whole national energy mix with emphasis on renewable energy. In line with the green energy and climate smart initiatives, the Bank is currently working with various Independent Power Producers to prepare projects to bankability
