Debra Matabvu
THE 600MW Kariba floating solar project is moving closer to implementation, with key development activities expected to begin in the coming months, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to boost electricity generation capacity.
This follows the completion of the project’s key preparatory, technical and regulatory processes, with foundational engineering work and preparations for detailed designs now underway.
The project, which is expected to contribute to Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen electricity generation capacity and diversify its energy mix, has recorded progress in grid and technical studies, land surveys, environmental impact assessments, regulatory licensing and negotiations for commercial agreements.
The project is expected to provide power to 3 million people and create 1 000 direct jobs.
In addition, the project is being undertaken through a partnership involving the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company, which will be the exclusive purchaser of the electricity generated by the project.
President Mnangagwa directed relevant Government Ministries in December 2023 to facilitate private sector investment for floating solar at Kariba.
Addressing the media at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, said the project seeks to augment hydropower generation in the country.
“The project was intended to augment hydropower generation in the country, stabilise power output, preserve water during the day through solar generation, and to enhance climate resilience and long-term sustainability of the Kariba power generation system,” Dr Soda said.
“The project is valued at US$650 million and entails a partnership between the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) which will be the sole off-taker of the power to be generated, and GreenGrid Energy Private Limited (formerly Sunspire) as the developer of the project.”
“At full capacity, the plant is expected to provide power for 3 million people and create 1 000 direct jobs in Kariba.”
Minister Soda also highlighted that designs of the project are progressing well.
“Progress recorded to date includes the completion of grid and technical studies; land survey and environmental impact assessment processes; regulatory licensing; and the negotiation of the Project’s commercial agreements,” he added.
“The Power Purchase Agreement and Transmission Connection Agreements were signed in 2025, while the Technical, Regulatory and Preparatory Works were finalised in July 2026.
“Currently, foundational engineering and project preparation works as well as mobilisation of resources for detailed designs of the project are progressing well.
“The Nation is informed that the Project is now preparing for the implementation phase, with the traditional ground breaking ceremony having been conducted.”
The Kariba floating project is part of Government measures to increase power generation in the country.
Synchronisation of Units 7 and 8 in 2023 already led to a significant improvement in supply.
As of yesterday, the country was producing 1 639 MW with Hwange producing 1 170 MW.
Kariba produced 415 MW and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) 54 MW.
Enhanced generation capacity is expected to reduce electricity imports, ease load shedding, and drive higher industrial output.
Increased local generation will also save Zimbabwe millions of US dollars currently spent on monthly electricity imports.
The country has been supplementing domestic supply with imports from Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa.
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