Floating Solar Power Plant to Generate 600MW on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, Boosting Electricity Supply

Nokusa Masuku

28.06.24

The government has approved a 600MW floating solar photovoltaic power plant on Lake Kariba, contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals and reducing reliance on imported electricity.

Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka presented the project to Cabinet as an unsolicited bid worth US$600-850 million by an energy company. The project aligns with the 2019 National Renewable Energy Policy and will be implemented in three phases.

The first phase of 150MW capacity is envisioned to be commissioned in 2025. Phase two of 300MW capacity and Phase three of 150MW capacity will be implemented in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

A 25-year operating lease was signed, and the land survey was also completed in February 2024. Zimbabwe has abundant lakes and dams, which could be considered sites for future renewable energy investments.