Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
EUREKA Gold Mine has strengthened Zimbabwe’s renewable energy drive after commissioning the first phase of a solar power plant in Guruve, Mashonaland Central Province.
The completion of Phase One delivers 5.4 megawatts of electricity, moving the mine closer to energy self-sufficiency. Once completed, the facility will generate 16.4 megawatts, with half of the electricity expected to be exported to the national grid through net metering.
The project has been welcomed by the Guruve community, which expects increased mining production to stimulate local economic development.
“This is a positive development for our area because the mine will have adequate power. When it has enough power, it will be able to produce more and contribute more to the community. It is a company that works very well with the community,” said Guruve resident Mr Lawrence Mushura.
Another resident, Ms Hlengiwe Mangena, credited the reopening of the mine with transforming the area.
“When our President came into power, the first thing he did was to reopen Eureka Mine. Now we have a school and a clinic, so we are happy about this development,” she said.
Government says the investment demonstrates how private sector participation is supporting national development priorities under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“Strategically, the Guruve Green Energy solar tracking system is perfectly aligned with NDS2. It supports the pillars of infrastructure development, rural industrialisation and value addition. By harnessing solar energy, we are not only addressing immediate power challenges but also laying the foundation for a greener and more sustainable economy. This is the essence of Vision 2030,” said the President’s Special Advisor responsible for Monitoring the Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo said the project reflects Government’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable development.
“We are here to appreciate this solar plant together with the President’s Advisor, whose role is to monitor development projects. This project is centred on clean energy, and we want to see the impact it will have on development and the implementation of NDS2,” he said.
Solar Energy Projects Director Mr Benjamin Madzivire said the plant has been fully commissioned and is operating efficiently.
“The plant has been tested and is operating perfectly. The total project cost is estimated at between US$12 million and US$15 million, while expenditure for the first phase stands at around US$4.5 million,” he said.
The facility comprises 42 solar panel arrays, seven inverters and a 5.5-megawatt substation connected directly to Eureka Gold Mine’s electricity network.
Using solar tracking technology, the panels follow the sun throughout the day, enabling electricity generation for between 10 and 11 hours daily, compared with about six hours from conventional fixed north-facing solar panels.
The project complements Government’s renewable energy policy while supporting rural industrialisation, energy security and sustainable economic development under Vision 2030.
