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Oliver Kazunga Senior Business Reporter
IMPLEMENTING partners of the 99 kilowatt Mashaba Solar Mini Grid project in Matabeleland South are seeking independent power producers to partially own and operate the investment.

The project is being implemented by non-governmental organisations, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, Practical Action and Dabane Trust working together with the government and Gwanda Rural District Council.

“The expression of interest seeks to identify Independent Power Producers (IPP) or energy entrepreneurs to partially own, operate and maintain the following: a 99kw decentralised mini-grid with transmission and distribution lines covering approximately 21 kilometres that’ll sell power to two irrigation schemes, two business centres, a clinic and a school.

“Two stand-alone energy centres that’ll generate power for distribution locally each with a maximum generation capacity of 60KW at two business centres.

“A 15KW stand-alone power generation unit that will provide power for an irrigation scheme. A solar powered energy production facility that will provide energy for a study or resource centre.

“The facility will supply approximately 20KW of energy,” said the implementing partners in a statement.

The expression of interest must be submitted before September 14.

“The implementing partners and all the relevant stakeholders reserve the right to accept or reject any or all the expressions of interest. Only shortlisted firms will be invited to submit proposals. A meeting will be held with the shortlisted companies to explain proposal contents.”

The eligibility criteria would among others include relevant technical experience in the renewable energy sector and financial capacity to partially own, operate and maintain a renewable energy entity.

The expression should include profile of the company including registration and other statutory or regulatory approval documents, professional profiles of key personnel to be involved in the project and details of financial status and technical capacity to undertake the assignment.

Since the liberalisation of the economy in February 2009, the government has been encouraging IPPs to invest in the energy and power development sector in order to boost power generation in the country.

Since 2009, over 15 IPPs have been licensed to invest in power generation plants by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority.

The projects are presently at different stages of implementation.

Among others, power challenges have been cited as one of the major factors stifling Zimbabwe’s economic recovery efforts.

At present, Zimbabwe is producing about 1,300MW daily against a demand of 2,200MW.