Source: Mater Dei commissions US$810k solar power plant – herald
Tanaka Nkala
Bulawayo Bureau
Mater Dei Hospital, one of the major hospitals in Bulawayo, yesterday commissioned a US$810 000 solar power plant, marking a major step towards reliable and sustainable energy for the health sector.
The project, funded by Old Mutual under its Renewable Energy Fund, comprises 1 300 solar panels linked to a 1‑megawatt battery storage system and will see the hospital generating its own clean energy. At peak production, the plant is capable of generating up to 750 kilowatts of power, while the hospital currently consumes between 350 and 450 kilowatts per hour.
The project is expected to guarantee an uninterrupted electricity supply for critical medical services.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, Yeukai Simbanegavi, commended Old Mutual for stewarding the fund responsibly and directing resources towards a vital project.
“Since the amendment of the Electricity Act liberalised the sector, licensed independent power producers have become important contributors to our energy mix. Projects like this remind us that Zimbabwe’s energy future will be built through collaboration, innovation and shared commitment,” she said.
Deputy Minister Simbanegavi said energy is the foundation of modern economies as it powers industry, strengthens hospitals and schools, and supports small businesses while improving the quality of life across communities.
She said expanding access to modern energy services remains both a development priority and a national commitment. The Deputy Minister added that the solar plant marks a major step towards improving operational sustainability and ensuring uninterrupted electricity for critical medical services, with excess power expected to be fed into the national grid.
Chairman of the Mater Dei Hospital board of trustees, Dr Adolf Macheka, said the solar project will significantly improve the hospital’s power backup capacity.
“During the day, if we have excellent weather, we can generate excess power for the hospital in case of a power cut. Each generator is able to supply electricity to a certain part of the hospital and lasts for 4–6 hours a day, which was quite expensive,” he said.
Dr Macheka expressed gratitude to Old Mutual for funding the project, which is expected to last for 20–25 years and provide millions of kilowatt-hours per year.
Speaking during the same event, Old Mutual Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Samuel Matsekete, said the project represents the fund’s first commissioned investment since its establishment in November 2024.
“This project is particularly significant because it ensures reliable power for critical healthcare services,” he said.
Mr Matsekete said the solar plant will reduce dependence on conventional power sources while ensuring uninterrupted electricity for patients, doctors and nurses at the hospital.
“For the Mater Dei ecosystem — patients, doctors, nurses and support staff — this solar plant empowers them to execute their mandate more effectively and continue saving lives every day,” he said.
The initiative also aligns with Government policies promoting renewable energy and sustainable power generation. Under the Second Republic, the Government has been encouraging investments in solar and other renewable energy sources as part of efforts to diversify the national energy mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve electricity supply.
Under the country’s development blueprint, National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), and the transition towards National Development Strategy 2, renewable energy projects are being prioritised to support industrialisation, strengthen public services and enhance climate resilience.
The Government has also opened the electricity sector to independent power producers following amendments to the Electricity Act, allowing private‑sector players to invest in solar farms and other clean energy initiatives that feed power into the national grid.
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