Utility-Scale Solar IPP
50 – 500 MW per site · 109 GW national potential
Grid-scale photovoltaic development in one of Africa's highest-irradiation markets — 109 GW of national solar potential open to Independent Power Producers.
Zimbabwe is facing depressed power generation, with the main sources of electricity (hydro and thermal) inadequate and unreliable, leading to frequent load shedding. Solar irradiation is fairly high with capacity to generate 109 GW, presenting a first-mover opportunity for IPPs to develop utility-scale plants and sell power directly to ZETDC or to intensive energy users such as mining companies.
Investors develop, own and operate utility-scale PV plants. Land may be purchased outright or leased from local individuals. Power can be sold to ZETDC on a cost-reflective tariff approved by ZERA, or negotiated directly with intensive energy users under an unregulated bilateral PPA. Structures include IPP, PPP, BOO and BOOT arrangements — with BOT/BOOT deals benefitting from tax holidays.
Zimbabwe's electricity demand.
Why Zimbabwe's energy market.
One of Africa's highest solar irradiation levels (long-term PVOUT up to ~1,899 kWh/kWp annually).
109 GW of untapped solar generation potential across the country.
Structural deficit: ~1,100 MW gap between built supply and actual generation.
2,000 MW of mining sector demand by 2025 — captive off-take available.
Duty-free importation of renewable energy technologies and generating equipment.
Tax holidays for BOT and BOOT deals, plus 100% profit repatriation.
Government guarantees against non-expropriation and updated Renewable Energy Policy (2023).
Existing grid and generation potential.
Fiscal and regulatory incentives.
The IPP investment pathway.
ZIDA's One Stop Investment Services Centre (OSISC) handholds investors through onboarding, establishment and aftercare.
- 01Land AcquisitionMinistry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Rural Development; Ministry of Local Government & Public Works; or private landowner
- 02Company RegistrationRegistrar of Companies
- 03Business Plan & Feasibility StudyInvestor
- 04Grid Impact Assessment (GIA)ZETDC
- 05Environmental Impact AssessmentEnvironmental Management Agency (EMA)
- 06Investment LicenceZIDA
- 07Generation LicenceZERA
- 08Power Purchase Agreement & TariffZETDC or private off-takers
Register interest in Utility-Scale Solar IPP.
Submit your details to receive the full information pack and arrange an introduction with power sector counterparts, ZETDC and ZERA. Every enquiry is reviewed personally by the Invest Zimbabwe team.