By Own Correspondent

ZIMBABWE is set to launch its first utility-scale wind farm with the groundbreaking Guruve-Mazowe Hybrid Renewable Energy Project in Mashonaland Central on the back of a promise to unlock 1 000 jobs for locals.

 Led by Modasa  Energy part of the MISA Group and local developer Tatanga Energy, this project uniquely combines 128 MW wind, 100 MWac solar PV, and 50 MW/100 MWh battery storage—all behind a single 100 MW grid connection.

Once operational, the plant will deliver around 550 GWh annually, supplying about 5% of Zimbabwe’s electricity.

“An estimated 1,000 jobs during construction, with local preference for general labour agreed through community consultation will be created.There will  be skills transfer in wind and hybrid plant operation, a capability new to Zimbabwe.

“Around 0.5 million tonnes of CO2 avoided a year (indicative, assuming thermal displacement).About  11% of the National Renewable Energy Policy target of 2,100 MW by 2030. The project will also spur road upgrades along the turbine transport route, paid for by the project and left as a permanent benefit,” the companies said in a joint statement.

Tatanga Energy originated the project, spearheading land, community, and government relations since 2021. MODASA Energy revamped it from a wind-only proposal to a hybrid, structuring technical development, contracting, and finance. MISA Group anchors the project, linking it to international investors and providing crucial financial backing.

“There is no shortage of renewable resources in Africa; but there is a shortage of electrons at the right place and the right time, and of bankable, high-quality projects. At MISA Group through Modasa Energy, we're changing that... The Guruve-Mazowe Hybrid Renewable Energy Project demonstrates this,” says Guy Hacking, CEO of MISA Group.

With ZESA as the primary off taker, talks for the Power Purchase and Use of System Agreements are progressing.

“This will be Zimbabwe’s first utility-scale wind farm, and our country’s first project to combine wind, solar and battery storage. It means new clean power for Zimbabwe, and new skills for Zimbabweans. We are proud to help build it,”says Eng. Cletus Nyachowe, Group CEO, ZESA.

Additionally, Africa GreenCo (through ZimGreenCo) will buy some of the output under a long-term deal, potentially selling excess to the Southern African Power Pool.

“A hybrid plant that delivers firm power from wind, solar and storage fits what the market needs,” says Lion Mashiri, Managing Director for Zimbabwe at Africa GreenCo.

This partnership marks a new chapter in bankable, high-quality renewable energy projects for Zimbabwe—and the region.