The Nyabira Solar Plant has completed its expansion, increasing its capacity from 2.5MW to 25MW, and is now in commercial production. This expansion will significantly contribute to Zimbabwe's national grid and help address the country’s ongoing energy challenges.
Nyabira Solar Plant Completes Expansion
The Nyabira Solar Plant — owned by Centragrid — has officially completed its expansion and is now in commercial production. Located in Nyabira, Zimbabwe, this solar power plant has grown significantly from its original 2.5MW to an impressive 25MW capacity.
The expansion of the solar plant is a crucial step in Zimbabwe's efforts to address its energy challenges. Zimbabwe has long struggled with energy shortages, and the Nyabira project will play a significant role in alleviating these issues. The plant’s increased capacity will provide much-needed power to the national grid.
Nyabira Solar Plant (image collected)
The Nyabira Solar Plant first began operations in 2019, and it is now one of the largest solar energy projects in the country. Centragrid — the independent power producer behind the project — has led the way in Zimbabwe’s transition to renewable energy. The plant is now equipped to generate 25MW of power, thanks to its recent expansion.
Key Investors and Local Funding
The success of the Nyabira Solar Plant is made possible by local funding. The project is fully backed by domestic capital, with investments from key players such as Old Mutual Zimbabwe, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), and various pension funds.
The use of local capital is seen as a significant achievement, proving that Zimbabwe can fund and manage its own renewable energy projects without relying on external sources. Victor Utedzi, founder of Centragrid, highlighted the importance of local investment in driving the energy future of Africa.
He emphasized that the solar plant is a flagship project demonstrating what local investors can achieve in the pursuit of solving energy shortages. His comments reflect the pride and commitment of Zimbabwe to grow its renewable energy sector with home-grown solutions.
A Model for Future Renewable Projects
The success of the Nyabira Solar Plant is seen as a model for other renewable energy initiatives across Zimbabwe. The plant was one of the first IPPs to connect to Zimbabwe’s national grid, and its expansion further cements its role as a key player in the country’s renewable energy strategy.
The solar plant covers approximately 50 hectares of land and comprises around 70,000 solar modules arranged into 10 power blocks. Each block has a capacity of 2.5MWdc, allowing the plant to generate a total of 25MW. This design and layout have maximized the plant’s energy output, thereby helping Zimbabwe reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The solar plant uses advanced solar technology to optimize its electricity production. It consists of polycrystalline panels that are arranged in series and set on racking structures fitted with horizontal single-axis trackers. These trackers follow the movement of the sun from east to west, ensuring that the solar panels capture maximum sunlight throughout the day.
The tracking system boosts the plant's electrical output by 25% compared to fixed racking systems. It features 44 Huawei inverters and a 2.5MW transformer. A breaker room manages power conditioning, protection, and monitoring, with energy fed into the national grid via a 6.6km transmission line.
Future Plans for Nyabira Solar Plant
The expansion of the Nyabira Solar Plant is not the end of Centragrid’s ambitions. The company has already announced plans to further increase the plant’s capacity to 100MW. This next phase of the expansion is scheduled to begin in 2025, reinforcing Centragrid’s commitment to becoming a leader in renewable energy production in Zimbabwe.
Centragrid has also expressed confidence in the future of solar energy in the region. The company sees the solar plant as a springboard for more renewable energy projects across Zimbabwe. With local investors showing increasing interest in solar energy, the company is optimistic that renewable energy can play a significant role in solving Zimbabwe’s energy challenges.
As Zimbabwe continues to explore renewable energy options, the Nyabira Solar Plant stands as a model for future projects. With further expansions planned and a growing interest in solar energy, the future of Zimbabwe’s renewable energy landscape looks bright.