Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
PRIVATE higher academic institution, Africa University, has joined the growing number of firms and institutions turning to onsite power generation as a means to mitigate power costs, improve supply reliability and potentially create new income streams.
In Manicaland, firms such as Tanganda, Ariston Holdings, several individual commercial farms and businesses have turned to solar power to save power costs, and importantly to ensure seamless availability for the smooth flow of operations.
In a recent public notice, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) said AU intends to construct a 250kw solar plant, and will consume all the power as it will not be tied to the national grid.
“Notice is hereby issued in terms of Section 4 (3) of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations, 2008 published in Statutory Instrument 103 of 2008 that the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has received an application to construct, own, operate and maintain a 250Kw solar photovoltaic plant at Number I, Fairview Road, Old Mutare, Manicaland Province.
“Africa University intends to generate power from the proposed solar plant for own consumption. The project will not be connected to the grid. The licence application by Africa University was done in terms of the provisions of Sections 42 and 46 of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19),” read the ZERA notice.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is inviting companies and individuals to join its net metering programme where individual solar systems will be tied to the national grid where excess power will be absorbed.
“Connect your solar system to the grid, bank excess energy and receive credits on your bill. Using a grid tied inverter and smart bi-directional meter, you can turn surplus power into savings,” said ZETDC in a statement.
ZETDC added that net metering has the following benefits to the producer-consumer.
“Extend battery lifespan by reducing charge and discharge cycles. Reduce electricity bills. Increase capacity utilisation. Reduction of solar battery costs by utilizing the grid as virtual battery. Power multiple properties. Become a net generating community and get load shedding exemption. Contribute to the grid stability as a producer-consumer (prosumer),” further said ZETDC.
