Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
EUREKA Gold Mine is complementing the Government’s renewable energy drive after commissioning the first phase of a solar power plant in Guruve, Mashonaland Central Province.
The mine has moved a step closer to energy self-sufficiency following the completion of Phase One of the project, which will generate 5.4 megawatts of electricity. Once fully completed, the solar plant will have a total capacity of 16.4 megawatts, with half of the generated power expected to be fed into the national grid through net metering.
The Guruve community has welcomed the project, expressing optimism that it will stimulate production at the mine while bringing wider socio-economic benefits to the area.
“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, said the reopening of the mine had already transformed the community.
“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 project is a practical demonstration of how private sector investment can support 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 promoting 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.
The solar power plant comprises 42 solar panel arrays, seven inverters and a 5.5-megawatt substation connected directly to Eureka Mine’s electricity grid.
“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,” said Solar Energy Projects Director, Mr Benjamin Madzivire.
The facility uses the latest solar tracking technology, enabling the panels to follow the sun’s movement and generate electricity for between 10 and 11 hours daily, compared to about six hours achieved by conventional fixed north-facing solar panels.
The installation of the solar power plant complements the Government’s renewable energy policy and supports efforts to accelerate rural industrialisation, energy security and sustainable economic development.
