Zimbabwe will begin construction of its first floating solar plant in 2026, a move expected to significantly boost national electricity generation. Located on Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe, the project will reach 600 megawatts across three phases, with the first 150 megawatt phase starting in Q2 2026. Full completion is anticipated by 2030 or 2031.
Developed by renewable energy company Green Grid, the project is projected to generate up to 4.7 billion dollars for Zimbabwe’s economy while enhancing energy supply and reliability. The total project cost is estimated between 550-650 million dollars, with the African Export-Import Bank providing 4.4 million dollars earlier this year for bankability and feasibility studies.
Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said: “The footprint of this project will be 10 square kilometers, constituting 1% of Lake Kariba, offering minimal environmental footprint. We expect that by 2030 or 2031, the whole project will be operational, with a view to replicate the project across other dam sites in the country.”
Minister Masuka added that the government is awaiting approvals from the Zambezi River Authority, jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia, before advancing the project. The development represents a significant step toward addressing Zimbabwe’s chronic electricity shortages and expanding renewable energy capacity.
Source: energycapitalpower.com