How many solar power projects are there in Zimbabwe?

As of 31 July 2019, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) had issued more than 77 power generation licences with 42 being solar power projects. A number of IPPs are already selling electricity to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and feeding into the national grid.

Does Zimbabwe have an electrical grid?

Zimbabwe has a relatively well-spread transmission system, but there are still large areas in the country without grid coverage. The backbone of the grid network runs through the centre of the country from Bulawayo to Harare, with transmission lines extending to the east of the country.

Is there regulation for mini-grids in Zimbabwe?

In Zimbabwe, all existing mini-grids are below the 100kW threshold to avoid regulatory compliance and licence fees. However, this leaves uncertainty regarding how the licencing and regulating process will work in practice, specifically for mini-grids.

Who develops mini-grids in Zimbabwe?

In Zimbabwe, NGOs, such as SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and Practical Action, are the main developers of off-grid mini-grids (Holsteijn, 2016).

How has Zimbabwe's electricity situation evolved?

Zimbabwe's electricity situation has remained stagnant, with the total power generation output currently at just over 25% of the national demand. Load shedding has been a common practice for decades in the country. Those who can afford it either have backup power solutions or have switched to alternative forms of power.

What percentage of Zimbabwean households have backup/alternative power solutions?

46% of Zimbabwean households have backup or alternative power solutions, with 45% of it being solar. In contrast, only 2% of South African households use solar as a form of alternative energy and only 4% of households use backup power. 96% of South African households solely rely on the national grid for power.