Source: 350-kilowatt transformation UBH solar plant improves operations – herald
Sikhulekelani Moyo, sikhu.moyo@chronicle.co.zw
THE 350-kilowatt solar power plant at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), jointly funded by the Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is revolutionising healthcare delivery at the country’s second-largest referral hospital by providing reliable electricity, reducing operational costs and improving patient care.
The project also stands as a practical example of how President Mnangagwa’s policies on renewable energy, infrastructure development and healthcare modernisation are translating into practical improvements in the lives of citizens in line with Vision 2030.
Since becoming operational in February this year, the solar plant has emerged as the hospital’s primary source of electricity, powering critical departments such as wards, the intensive care unit (ICU) and the maternity wing.
The project aligns with the Government’s policy thrust of expanding renewable energy generation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and strengthening essential public institutions through sustainable infrastructure investments.
Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the recently launched National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the Second Republic has prioritised energy security as a key enabler of industrialisation, economic growth and quality service delivery. The Government has also set an ambitious target of generating 2 100 megawatts from renewable energy sources by 2030 as part of broader efforts to achieve an upper-middle-income economy.
For a hospital that previously depended heavily on grid electricity and diesel generators during power outages, the solar project has brought much-needed stability and significant financial relief.
UBH chief medical officer, Dr William Busumani, said the facility has fundamentally changed the way the hospital operates.
“This project was assessed in 2024, construction started in 2025 and by February 2026 we connected it. The hospital now runs primarily on solar and the national grid while the generator is the third option,” he said.
Before the installation of the solar plant, power outages often forced the hospital to rely on diesel generators to keep critical services running.
“Our generator consumes about 200 litres of diesel per hour. That is a huge cost for the institution. With the solar system now in place, we are saving significantly on fuel expenses and that is a major achievement for us,” said Dr Busumani.
The solar plant ensures uninterrupted power supply to life-saving equipment and critical hospital services, reducing the risk of disruptions during emergencies and improving overall patient services.
The project reflects the Government’s broader strategy of leveraging renewable energy to strengthen public institutions while promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasised the need for Zimbabwe to diversify its energy mix through increased investment in solar, hydro and other renewable energy sources to complement traditional generation methods.
The solar plant also supports the Government’s climate action agenda by reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Dr Busumani said the system was specifically designed to prioritise critical healthcare services.
“The solar plant covers the wards, ICU and maternity departments. Staff quarters and the laundry section are still connected to national grid,” he said.
Dr Busumani noted that the project is the first solar installation of its scale at a central hospital in Zimbabwe, as most previous renewable energy projects have focused on district hospitals.
Under the partnership agreement, UNDP will continue servicing and monitoring the solar plant for the next three years before handing it over to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“For now, UNDP remains responsible for maintenance as they continue assessing how the system performs under the high energy demands of a central hospital,” said Dr Busumani.
Yesterday’s tour of the hospital’s solar plant by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Peace and Security is part of a fact-finding mission on energy security and resilience at critical public institutions.
The committee, led by Senator Irene Zindi, selected UBH as its first stop in Matabeleland.
Speaking after the tour, Sen Zindi expressed satisfaction with the project’s impact.“This renewable solar energy is now the primary source of power at the hospital. To me, that is a very positive development. It has brought positivity to the entire operation of the institution,” she said.
Sen Zindi said the committee’s mission seeks to assess whether renewable energy projects are meeting their intended socio-economic objectives which is to strengthen service delivery.
The UBH solar project comes at a time when Zimbabwe is increasingly investing in renewable energy solutions to enhance energy security, reduce operational costs in public institutions and support sustainable development goals.
Today, the committee will tour Hwange Power Station in Matabeleland North before proceeding to Blanket Mine in Gwanda, Matabeleland South tomorrow.
On Thursday, the committee will move to the Midlands, where they will tour four bio-digesters before returning to the region, where they will tour Turk Mine in Bubi District, Matabeleland North on Friday.
The fact-finding mission is expected to gather insights on initiatives that enhance resilience, support essential services, and contribute to national development objectives.
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