By Cordilia Ncube
Kwekwe Polytechnic has unveiled plans to install a one-megawatt solar power plant as part of its drive toward energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The announcement was made during a tree planting ceremony hosted at the college on recently by Friends of the Environment and Nyaradzo Group Funeral Services, highlighting the institution’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint amid Zimbabwe’s ongoing power generation challenges.
Speaking at the event, Kwekwe Polytechnic Vice Principal for Finance and Administration, Engineer Catherine Moyo, underscored the importance of the initiative in meeting the college’s energy demands sustainably.
“We are proposing the installation of a one-megawatt solar plant to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and contribute to net metering,” said Moyo.
“This project is a significant step toward energy efficiency and aligns with our broader environmental sustainability goals.”
The solar initiative complements the college’s existing biogas digester, which partly powers its kitchen, and is a key feature of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy. This policy promotes sustainable practices, including energy and water efficiency, and the greening of its environment.
Zimbabwe continues to grapple with chronic electricity shortages caused by underperforming power stations, aging infrastructure, and the impacts of climate change on hydroelectric capacity at Kariba Dam.
The country frequently experiences rolling blackouts, disrupting daily life and economic activities.