Energy

Renewable Energy Revolution

2024 - Present

50MW solar power plant with energy storage systems and agro-voltaic integrations for the Hunyani SEZ.

Project Overview

The Renewable Energy Revolution project is a groundbreaking 50MW solar power installation that combines cutting-edge photovoltaic technology with advanced energy storage systems and innovative agro-voltaic integrations within the Hunyani Special Economic Zone.

This strategic energy infrastructure project not only powers SEZ operations but also provides excess energy to Zimbabwe's mining industry through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) denominated in hard currency, mitigating devaluation risks.

The project demonstrates how renewable energy generation can be seamlessly integrated with agricultural production through agro-voltaic technology, maximizing land use efficiency while creating multiple revenue streams from the same area.

50MW

Solar generation capacity

$50M

Total project investment

40%

Land available for agriculture

Key Features

50MW Solar Installation
High-efficiency bifacial solar panels with single-axis tracking maximize energy capture throughout the day, designed specifically for Zimbabwe's high solar radiation environment.
Agro-Voltaic Integration
Specialized panel arrangement allows for crop cultivation beneath and between solar arrays, creating dual-use land that produces both energy and food while providing crop protection from extreme weather.
Mining Industry PPAs
Long-term Power Purchase Agreements with mining companies through the Intensive Energy User Group (IEUG), providing stable hard currency revenue streams and mitigating local currency risks.
Smart Grid Infrastructure
Advanced control systems optimize energy flow between SEZ operations, agricultural facilities, and external buyers while enabling grid stabilization and resilience services.

Project Gallery

Dual-use agricultural and energy production

Project Details

Project Type

Energy

Services Provided

Solar Energy System Design
Agro-Voltaic Integration
Power Purchase Agreement Management
Grid Infrastructure Development
Operations & Maintenance

Challenges

Developing this project required addressing the complexities of integrating renewable energy infrastructure with agricultural operations while ensuring reliable power supply for diverse SEZ activities. Key challenges included optimizing the balance between energy generation and agricultural productivity, managing grid integration, and structuring viable hard currency PPAs with mining industry offtakers.

Results & Impact

The 50MW solar installation provides clean energy independence for the SEZ while generating additional revenue through mining industry PPAs. The agro-voltaic design maintains 40% of land area available for agricultural use, demonstrating successful dual-purpose land utilization that supports both energy security and food production goals within the broader SEZ development strategy.