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CHINESE energy company Chint Electric Company through its local partner Intratrek Zimbabwe says it expects to start work on                its $750 million solar project in Gwanda   in the second half of the year, an official has said.Intratrek managing director, Wicknell Chivhayo said the company was tying up  loose ends with the Zimbabwe Power Company in preparation to start work this year.

“(The solar plant) has to be this year. To   be more precise we must be moving on site in the next four to six months,” said Chivhayo.

“At the moment we still have some regulatory issues we’re sorting with ZPC  and once that’s done we’ll get on with the project. We’ve already secured the  farm where the project will be implemented.”

According to an engineering, procurement and construction report for the project, it will involve solar panels mounted on the ground with modular inverters set up to power generators, which would then transmit energy to the national grid in Bulawayo. Such power would also feed into Gwanda and Masvingo grids.

Chint will provide capital to the tune of $250 million for the first phase 100MW project.

The company will also help raise capital at a concessionary six percent interest per annum over a 12-year period.

Chint will take a 15 percent stake in   the venture, while the remainder will be in the hands of local companies. — The Source.