Renewable energy independent power producer, Total Eren, has partnered with transitional energy company, Chariot, to develop, finance, construct and operate a 30 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Zimbabwe to supply clean energy to the southern African country’s Karo Platinum Mine.
Having signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Zimbabwean mining firm, Karo Mining Holdings, the operator of the Karo Platinum Mine, Total Eren and Chariot will construct the solar PV power plant in the Mashonaland West Province, with the project set to supply electricity exclusively to the mining operation.
“Our solar project will enable the Karo Platinum Mine to be supplied in low carbon electricity during its operating life, therefore reducing its carbon footprint and generating a competitive source of electricity supply in Zimbabwe,” stated Fabienne Demol, Executive Vice-President & Global Head of Business Development at Total Eren, adding, “I look forward to delivering this solar project and wish to start even more renewable energy project in this country.”
With operations at the Karo Platinum Mine having official commenced on 7 December, the solar PV plant will have a potential expansion of up to 300 MWp and will reduce operating costs while minimizing the mine’s impact on the environment.
“Land designated to develop this type of power strategy has been allocated close to the Karo Mine, but also being mindful of a broader power strategy that we will develop with our partners and the Government of Zimbabwe, to ensure stable and lasting green energy benefitting all our stakeholders and beyond,” stated Bernard Pryor, Managing Director of Karo Mining Holdings.
The Karo Platinum Mine covers an area of approximately 239km2 and is situated roughly 80km southwest of Zimbabwe’s capital city of Harare. The mine, which is situated within a designated Special Economic Zone, is a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s GDP and is supported by surrounding infrastructure and power access.
Source: energycapitalpower
