By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
In a significant move to address Zimbabwe’s pressing energy challenges, Green Hybrid Power (GHP) Pvt Ltd convened a stakeholder engagement meeting with various government departments at the Carribea Bay Hotel.
The event, showcased GHP’s ambitious plans to install a groundbreaking 1,000 MW floating solar project on Lake Kariba.
William Mandibaya, GHP’s Office Manager, and Managing Director Caleb Dengu led discussions centered around the hybrid energy initiative, aimed at supplementing hydropower generation amidst declining water levels at Lake Kariba.
Mandibaya emphasized that the project would unfold in two phases, each contributing 500 MW to the national grid.
“This floating solar system will cover approximately 0.1875% of the lake’s water surface and an additional 2,000 hectares on the lakeshore,” Mandibaya explained.
He projected the first phase to be operational within 18 months, starting in September 2026, with an estimated investment of $400 million for both phases.
The project is poised not only to enhance energy reliability but also to meet national carbon reduction targets, thereby reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable development.
Chief Msampakaruma Muchaneta Chacharika expressed her support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to create local employment opportunities. She encouraged GHP to adhere to traditional norms and values throughout the project’s implementation.
Locadia Chaderopa, the Acting District Development Coordinator, stressed that this undertaking aligns perfectly with the government’s vision for promoting clean energy.
“This project represents a transformative initiative that will not only improve energy security but also unlock new avenues for investment while minimizing land use pressure,” she remarked. “It embodies the principles of environmentally friendly and sustainable development.”
Councillor Kudzanayi Makanyaire from NRDC Ward 2 raised concerns regarding the potential impact on the Fothergill Fishing Cooperative and local households, emphasizing the need for clarity on the project’s modalities.
In response, Dengu reassured attendees that the existing communities would not be disrupted by the project’s infrastructure.
GHP has also secured a $4.4 million financing facility from Afreximbank, earmarked for feasibility studies of the floating solar plant.
The company intends to supply 500 MW from the first phase to industrial consumers through a 20-year power purchase agreement, marking a significant step in addressing Zimbabwe’s energy deficits.
“As we forge ahead with this initiative, we are committed to engaging with the community and ensuring that the project serves the interests of all stakeholders,” Mandibaya concluded.
With the hybrid solar project anticipated to play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s energy landscape, the collaborative efforts of GHP, government officials, and local communities signify a promising future for sustainable energy practices in the region.
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