By Rudo Saungweme

In a move set to ease pressure on the national grid, Rio Zim Private  Ltd has heeded the Government’s call for the private sector to set up alternative solutions to power supply by establishing solar plants at its mines.

The move will see Rio Zim Pvt Ltd supply excess power to the national grid, a development that will ease the power cuts currently being experienced country wide.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source who works for Murowa Diamonds Mine revealed that Rio Zim will establish the solar plants at its four mines namely, Cam and Motor Mine, Dalny Mine, Renco Mine and Murowa Diamonds Mine.

“It is good news to note that Rio Zim Pvt Ltd shall establish solar plants at its four mines which are Cam and Motor Mine, Renco Mine and Murowa Diamonds Mine. The solar plants will produce a combined output of 178 Megawatts (MW). These four mines will only consume about 50 MW with the balance being fed onto the national grid,” said the source.

The source also revealed that construction of the solar plants will commence in November this year.

The move by Rio Zim Ltd is a game changer in Zimbabwe’s current power challenges and will lead to more companies following suit in order to fill the supply gap.

Government is encouraging local production of solar equipment and the use of solar power as an alternative energy source. Government has also approved a duty waiver on solar equipment and allowed mining firms to procure energy directly from the Southern African Power Pool.