Rungano Dzikira

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) says it registered 99 renewable energy companies across the country last year as Government seeks alternative energy generation from hydro and fossil power sources.

In a statement, Zera said the firms registered were offering a wide range of services to individual consumers, local authorities and Government.

“By the end of December 2020, ZERA had registered 99 renewable energy companies in the country. The firms are offering solar lighting for homes, offices, municipal streets, shops and factories. Solar charging systems (for televisions, radio, mobile phones etc.)

“Also, they are offering solar powered boreholes and irrigation systems, solar water heating, solar dryers and electricity supply for off grid health centres,” read part of the statement.

On average, Zera said each company employs five people, translating to about 495 direct jobs created in the renewable energy sub sector and many more downstream opportunities.

Renewable power generation is becoming more urgent in the country as power remains in short supply owing to challenges in both fossil and hydro power schemes in the country.

Domestic power generation in Zimbabwe is mainly from Hwange Thermal Power Plant and Kariba Hydropower Plant. Kariba is the most reliable power station with an available capacity of over 950 MW.

However, Hwange power plant has been dogged by technical faults owing to antiquated equipment.

Zimbabwe relies on hydroelectric power. The country’s generation capacity was measured in February 2016 as producing only 845 MW, against a projected national demand of 2,200 MW and an installed capacity of approximately 1,940 MW.