By Innocent Nxumalo
THE Government has commended the corporate sector for investing millions of United States dollars in solar energy, which has seen the country improving its energy efficiency.
The collective participation of private players in generating clean energy is not only expected to reduce the country’s energy import bill, but the national carbon footprint.
Officiating at a ground breaking ceremony of a 10 megawatt PPC solar farm in Umguza district this Tuesday, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Sekai Nzenza applauded the US$40 million solar power investment, highlighting the importance of embracing clean and renewable energy.
“I therefore congratulate PPC Zimbabwe for taking this bold decision to transition their operations to net zero carbon dioxide emissions by investing over US$ 40 million towards constructing the 10 megawatt and 20 megawatt Solar plants in Umguza and Colleen Bawn Factories, such energy projects complement government’s efforts towards climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said Minister of Industry & Commerce, Sekai Nzenza.
PPC Zimbabwe Head of Supply Chain and Strategic Projects, Dr Mavellas Sibanda said the two solar projects in Umguza and Colleen Bawn are set to be completed and switched on before the end of the year.
“Two more solar farms will be constructed, one in Bulawayo and the other in Colleen Bawn. The equipment which will be installed includes top tier quality 535 watts bi-facial solar panels,” said Dr Sibanda.
Government has set a bold target of having 26.5 percent of national energy coming from renewable sources in line with the national vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030.
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