China proposes 1200 MW floating solar PV plant for Zimbabwe

• 1 year, 8 months ago (2023-04-12)
• David Flin

Africa 323 Solar 277

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China Energy Engineering Group has proposed to construct a 1200 MW floating solar PV plant on Lake Kariba to help alleviate Zimbabwe’s electricity crisis.

Zimbabwe currently has an installed capacity of 2500 MW, and with periodic low water levels at Lake Kariba, reducing output from the 1050 MW Lake Kariba hydropower plant, faces a significant electricity generation deficit. Peak demand is predicted to be approaching 4700-5200 MW.

The proposed floating solar power plant will use over 1.8 million PV panels covering 25 km2. These will be 655 W mono crystalline bifacial dual glass modules. The plant will operate for 25 years. The total project price is estimated to be around $1 billion.