Solar project near Lake Kariba

Zimbabwe is moving forward with a 600 MW solar power plant project near Lake Kariba. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on water-based energy sources, such as hydroelectric power.

Developer and progress

The project is being developed by GreenGrid Energy and has gone through several key stages. These include signing a power purchase agreement with the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company and completing technical and regulatory procedures in July 2026.

Financing and schedule unclear

Despite these developments, the financing required for the project and the construction timeline have not been disclosed. The project initially plans to focus on land-based installations to minimize the impact on Lake Kariba’s water levels.

Complementing hydroelectric power

The solar plant is intended to work alongside the Kariba South hydroelectric plant, which has a capacity of 1,050 MW. By generating power during sunny hours, the solar project could help reduce the need to draw water from the reservoir during those times.

Water allocation reduction

According to the Zambezi River Authority, the joint water allocation for Zimbabwe and Zambia will decrease from 36 to 23 billion cubic meters starting in 2027. This reduction is linked to expected lower rainfall and could affect hydroelectric production before the solar project is operational.

Diversifying energy sources

Both Zimbabwe and Zambia frequently experience fluctuations in hydroelectric output due to changing weather patterns. As a result, expanding solar power capacity is seen as a crucial step to ensure a more stable and diversified electricity supply.