MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU—Government has challenged companies in the Midlands to invest in renewable energy projects as part of efforts to ease Zimbabwe’s chronic power shortages and boost industrial productivity.
Speaking during a tour and launch of construction works for the US$20 million 20-megawatt Clover New Energy solar power plant at Almid Pvt Ltd in Gweru today, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube said independent power producers were key to strengthening the country’s electricity supply.
Ncube said the project demonstrated Zimbabwe’s growing partnerships with private investors and complemented existing power generation at Hwange Thermal Power Station and Kariba Dam.
“The project is a clear demonstration of beneficial partnerships with independent power producers that complement our existing generation capacity,” he said.
Ncube added that the initiative also reflected deepening economic ties between Zimbabwe and China following the strategic cooperation agreement between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He said China had emerged as Zimbabwe’s biggest investment partner, driving infrastructure development, technology transfer and skills development across key sectors including mining, agriculture and manufacturing.
Ncube commended Clover New Energy, a subsidiary of JinAn Chrome Smelting Company, for spearheading the climate-smart project, saying it would help reduce electricity imports, cut energy costs and lower carbon emissions.
The minister said the Second Republic had introduced policies to boost energy security, including incentives for renewable energy projects, duty-free solar imports and a requirement for heavy industries to develop their own power supply by 2026.
“I urge other manufacturing companies in the province to establish similar renewable energy plants to expand Zimbabwe’s renewable energy capacity,” he said.
Founder and chairman of Jin An Group, Zhou Xuegong, said the project formed part of a broader US$140 million energy investment that includes a 100-megawatt captive power plant.
The solar plant is expected to start generating electricity in August 2026, while the captive power station is scheduled to come on stream by the end of 2027.
Xuegong said the project would help stabilise electricity supplies in Midlands province while supporting industrial growth and increasing the share of clean energy in Zimbabwe’s power mix.
He said the development would also create employment opportunities and support local communities.
“Once the projects are completed, ferrochrome plants in the Gweru Heavy Industrial Site will operate at full capacity, significantly increasing export production,” he said.
Xuegong said the expansion could create about 2 000 new jobs and generate up to US$100 million in foreign currency earnings.
China Western Power Industrial Company Limited chief executive officer Huang Youquan said the project marked an important milestone in strengthening Midlands’ energy infrastructure.
Huang said the company would prioritise safety, quality and efficient construction to ensure the project connects to the national grid as soon as possible.
“The project will create local employment and provide skills training while supporting Zimbabwe’s transition to cleaner energy,” he said.
Zimbabwe has been battling persistent electricity shortages that have forced industries to rely on imports and alternative energy sources, prompting government to encourage private sector investment in renewable power projects.
