Zimplats Solar Expansion Boosts Investor Interest in Zimbabwe's Clean Energy Sector

Zimbabwe's renewable energy sector is drawing more attention from investors as Zimplats pushes ahead with a major solar power programme valued at about US$201 million.

The company is building 185 megawatts (MW) of solar power in four phases. Work on the first phase has ended, while construction has started on the second phase.

The project is expected to support clean electricity supply and create more opportunities for businesses linked to renewable energy.

Private investment gains momentum

Zimplats is the country's leading producer of platinum group metals. The company operates major mining and processing facilities and has expanded its investment into renewable energy to provide reliable electricity for its operations while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

The scale of the Zimplats project shows that private companies are taking a bigger role in electricity generation in Zimbabwe. Investment in renewable energy has become more attractive as the country seeks reliable power supplies for industries and businesses.

The government has encouraged clean energy projects through policies that support private sector participation. This has opened the door for companies to invest in solar power and other renewable energy projects.

The mining sector is one of the industries seeking dependable electricity for daily operations. Many companies are turning to renewable energy to improve power supply and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.

The Zimplats project reflects this shift. It also gives engineering firms, equipment suppliers and service providers opportunities to take part in renewable energy development.

Second phase moves ahead

Zimplats has already completed the first phase of its solar programme at the Selous Metallurgical Complex. The 35MW solar plant has been fully commissioned and is operating at its planned capacity.

During the 2025 financial year, the facility generated more than 66 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity. The power produced supports the company's mining and processing activities while reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.

Following the completion of the first phase, construction has begun on the second stage of the project. This phase will provide another 45MW of solar generation capacity.

The company expects work on the second phase to finish before the end of the year. Once completed, Zimplats' installed solar capacity will increase to 80MW.

The remaining stages of the programme will lift total capacity to 185MW. When completed, the project will rank among the largest privately developed solar investments in Zimbabwe.

Industry observers see the programme as an important example of how private investment can help expand electricity generation in the country. Reliable power supply is becoming more important as demand for electricity continues to increase.

The project also opens business opportunities for local and international companies involved in renewable energy development. Engineering contractors, equipment manufacturers and technical service providers may benefit as similar projects move forward.

Zimbabwe has continued to encourage renewable energy investment to improve electricity supply and support economic activity. Solar energy has become one of the preferred options because of the country's favourable weather conditions and the need to expand power generation.

Zimplats' continued investment shows that large private companies are willing to commit substantial funding to renewable energy projects. Successful delivery of the remaining phases could encourage more investors to consider similar projects in Zimbabwe.

With construction progressing on the next stage and long-term expansion plans already mapped out, the Zimplats solar programme is strengthening confidence in Zimbabwe's renewable energy sector and supporting the country's effort to build a more reliable electricity supply.