The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed a 2 000 megawatts Zimbabwe solar power deal, which will help solve Zimbabwe’s power deficit once it examine implementation in 18 months time.

The first phase of the project will produce 1 000MW, roughly equating to Kariba South Power Station’s output, when performing at full throttle. The President flew to the UAE for the 5th session of the Global Business Forum on Africa, where he promoted Zimbabwe to potential investors. President Mnangagwa mentioned that power shortages will be a thing of the past in the next one-and-a-half years. He also said that as soon as the first phase has seen completed, construction of another 1 000MW plant will get underway.

“The power generated is expected to add to that produced by the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station units 7 and 8 when completed. This expansion will witness an additional 600MW being injected into the grid on completion and is being undertaken with the assistance of China at a cost of US$1,5 billion.

At present, load-shedding of up to 15 hours per day has become the pattern, as a result of low water levels in Kariba Dam and setback in the refurbishment of thermal power stations. The Hwange extensions will generate power for 24 hours a day.