100 MW Guruve-Mazowe Solar Plant Planned

Modaso Energy has partnered with Tatanga Energy to develop the 278 MW Guruve-Mazowe Solar Plant, backed by approximately USD 300 million in investment.

The development in Mashonaland Central combines 128 MW of wind capacity, 100 MW of solar capacity and a 50 MW/100 MWh battery energy storage system, with all three technologies routed through a single 100 MW connection to the national grid. The Solar Plant is designed to produce roughly 550 GWh of electricity per year, about 5% of Zimbabwe's total generation.

Tatanga Energy, which began development work in 2021, will lead land acquisition, community engagement, permitting and coordination with government authorities. Modaso Energy is directing technical design, offtake negotiations, contracting and the financial structure. MISA Group, headquartered in Geneva, is providing financial backing and introducing international lenders, while Standard Bank has agreed a debt term sheet and will act as appointed lead arranger for the project's debt financing. Africa GreenCo, through its ZimGreenCo unit, has signed Heads of Terms to purchase a portion of output and ZESA is expected to serve as the main electricity buyer.

Project planners say the hybrid configuration targets an average grid capacity factor above 60% and could deliver about 40% more energy through a single grid connection compared with standalone renewable systems. The battery is intended to provide fast-response grid support, and developers expect the Solar Plant to reduce dependence on Kariba Dam water levels and imported fossil fuels.

The development is forecast to create around 1,000 construction jobs with priority for local workers, introduce specialist skills in wind and hybrid plant operation, and avoid approximately 0.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, supporting about 11% of Zimbabwe's 2,100 MW national renewable energy target for 2030. Financial close is targeted for mid-2027, with construction to follow and commercial operations expected in 2029.