ZimGreenCo, Dolcin Trading Sign 25-year Solar Power Agreement in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s renewable energy sector has received a boost following the signing of a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between ZimGreenCo and Dolcin Trading for the development of a 50MWac solar power project in Mashonaland West Province.

The agreement, signed during the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, will support the development of the Dolcin Trading Solar Photovoltaic Plant near Chegutu.

Developed by South African renewable energy company Sigma Solar Africa, the project is poised to become one of Zimbabwe’s largest grid-connected independent power producer (IPP) solar facilities.

Project supports Zimbabwe’s renewable energy and power supply goals

Under the agreement, ZimGreenCo will purchase electricity generated by the solar plant and supply it to large energy consumers across Zimbabwe.

The project builds on a Systems Operations Agreement signed in 2024 between ZimGreenCo Power Services and the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), allowing electricity generated by private producers to be transmitted through the national grid.

Stakeholders say the arrangement demonstrates the growing role of private-sector participation in expanding electricity supply and supporting the development of an open-access electricity market.

The project is also set to contribute to Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to address electricity shortages, strengthen energy security and increase the share of renewable energy in the national power mix.

Long-term agreement set to unlock investment

Industry participants say the 25-year offtake arrangement provides the revenue certainty needed to attract financing and move the project towards construction.

The agreement is anticipated to improve investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s renewable energy sector by demonstrating a viable framework for collaboration between private developers, power buyers and the national utility.

As Zimbabwe seeks to expand electricity generation capacity and diversify energy sources, independent power producers are likely to play a growing role in meeting demand through solar and other renewable energy technologies.

Once operational, the Dolcin Trading Solar PV Plant is projected to add significant renewable energy capacity to the grid while supporting industrial activity and economic growth.