Green Hybrid Power (Pvt) Ltd is investing over $250 million in a 1,000 MW hybrid floating PV project at Lake Kariba to enhance power generation. The project will integrate hydro-power, solar energy, and battery storage to provide reliable electricity and increase the dam's capacity by over 30%.
Unveiling $250 Million Hybrid Floating PV Project at Lake Kariba
Green Hybrid Power (Pvt) Ltd — a subsidiary of the Intensive Energy User Group (IEUG) — has announced plans to invest over $250 million in a 1,000-megawatt (MW) hybrid floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project. The project — which will augment power generation at Lake Kariba — is set to be completed in 18 months and will be carried out in four phases.
The hybrid floating PV project is designed to enhance energy production at the Kariba Dam. Green Hybrid Power Managing Director, Caleb Dengu, explained that the project will optimize existing transmission infrastructure and increase the dam's power generation capacity by more than 30%. The first phase — comprising 250 MW — is estimated to cost $250 million and is expected to be operational within 18 months.
The plant will integrate three energy sources: the existing hydro-power assets, solar power, and a battery energy storage system (BESS). The hybrid system will provide stable and reliable electricity by leveraging advanced technologies. It will use solar energy during the day and switch to hydro-power at night.
Addressing National Energy Challenges
Zimbabwe’s energy sector has long relied on coal-fired power stations, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Dengu stated that the hybrid floating PV project aligns with national decarbonization goals and will play a critical role in reducing the country’s reliance on coal.
Dengu stated that the hybrid plant would produce electricity using solar energy during the day and hydro-power at night when solar energy is unavailable. “The plant will use the same existing transmission assets of the hydro-power plant, obviating the need for the significant investments into separate transmission lines, which will enhance project economics and attractiveness,” He added.
The hybrid floating PV project incorporates advanced energy management and weather forecasting systems. These systems ensure smooth transitions between solar and hydro-power generation, thereby minimizing disruptions and stabilizing electricity output. The optional BESS further enhances reliability by managing energy supply during intermittent transitions.
“The hydro-floating solar hybrid plant will operate as a dispatchable base load plant complementing and improving Kariba South Power Station output. The latter is constrained by severe output cutbacks due to climate change-induced low generation (which has resulted in low usable live storage water lake levels),” Dengu said.
Minimal Environmental Impact
One of the most notable aspects of the hybrid floating PV project is its minimal environmental footprint. The solar panels will cover less than 0.0004% of Lake Kariba’s surface area. This ensures that activities such as fishing, tourism, and transportation are not disrupted.
Dengu highlighted that the project would enhance both energy and food security. The floating solar platform will support fish farming beneath the panels, thus promoting sustainable aquaculture in the region.
The hybrid floating PV project is part of IEUG’s broader plan to invest over $3 billion in Zimbabwe’s energy sector over the next five years. These investments aim to transmit electricity from surplus regions to deficit areas. This will address the country’s uneven energy distribution. With the completion of the hybrid floating PV project, Zimbabwe will move closer to achieving its renewable energy targets while ensuring energy security for future generations.
Green Hybrid Power’s hybrid floating PV project at Lake Kariba is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s energy sector. By combining solar, hydro, and battery technologies, the project sets a benchmark for sustainable energy solutions in the region. With minimal environmental impact and significant economic benefits, this innovative initiative promises to enhance energy reliability, support national decarbonization goals, and boost food security through aquaculture development.