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China Energy Considers $1 Billion Floating Solar Project In Zimbabwe

China Energy Engineering Corp. is considering building a 1,000-megawatt floating solar plant on Zimbabwe's Kariba dam at the cost of nearly $1 billion. This ambitious project is expected to provide clean and renewable energy to the region, helping Zimbabwe move towards a greener future.

The proposed solar farm would be the largest of its kind in Africa and one of the biggest in the world. It would cover an area of over 2,500 hectares, making it larger than some cities in Zimbabwe. The solar megaproject could generate power for as many as two million homes.

This project is part of China Energy's commitment to providing clean energy solutions for developing countries around the world. In addition to this project, they have also invested heavily in other renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and hydroelectric dams throughout Africa.

The floating solar farm will be built on Lake Kariba, located between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The lake provides an ideal location for this type of project due to its large size and relatively calm waters. The lake also holds a large amount of water that can be used for cooling during peak hours when temperatures are high.

The project is estimated to take three years to complete and will create thousands of jobs during the construction and operation phases. It will also help reduce carbon emissions by replacing traditional sources of electricity with clean energy sources such as solar power.

In addition to providing clean energy solutions for Zimbabwe, this project could also benefit other countries in the region by providing them access to reliable electricity sources at competitive prices. This could spur economic growth throughout Africa as more people gain access to affordable electricity sources that are both reliable and sustainable.

China Energy's proposal for a 1,000-megawatt floating solar plant in Zimbabwe is an exciting development that could bring much-needed renewable energy solutions to the region while creating jobs and reducing carbon emissions simultaneously. If successful, this project could set an example for countries looking towards renewable energy solutions as they work towards a greener future for all citizens across Africa and beyond.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Michael Kern

Michael Kern is a newswriter and editor at Safehaven.com and Oilprice.com,  More

Comments

  • Stephan Zajac - 28th Mar 2023 at 10:29am:
    As I understand it, Zimbabwe already is predominantly powered by clean energy through hydroelectric power from the Lake Kariba Dam. In fact, as I understand it, it is already a next exporter of energy to neighboring countries, such as South Africa, which is currently in an energy crisis and is supplied additional energy from Zimbabwe through green energy sources. I'm a bit confused why the article says it will "move Zimbabwe toward a greener future" when it is already highly reliant on renewable energy sources. The point made on jobs creation is valid, and there is an implicit suggestion that it would ultimately export the excess energy to neighboring countries, south as South Africa and Zambia. But, this all smells fishy, and I think China is up to no good again, locking Zimbabwe into a deal it cannot afford and domestically doesn't necessarily need from an energy resourcing perspective for internal needs. China has deployed similar tactics of control with, for example, Ecuador and Uganda. Zimbabwe's leaders -- especially in times of political transition with elections -- should be wary of China's neocolonialistic tendencies in broader Africa.
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