ZIMBABWE is set to establish a robotic manufacturing plant, which will produce solar collectors and provide fossil-free heat, replacing the 1 400 coal-fired boilers in our country.
Speaking during the ongoing COP28 conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after the signing ceremony with Swedish-based solar energy company — Absolicon, which is set to establish a robotic manufacturing plant and another system operations agreement with Africa Greenco, Energy minister Edgar Moyo said the signing ceremony marks a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for the country.
“I am delighted to announce the establishment of Absolicon’s robotic manufacturing plant, which will produce solar collectors and provide fossil-free heat, replacing the 1 400 coal-fired boilers in our country.
“The establishment of Absolicon’s robotic manufacturing plant is a testament to our commitment to transitioning to clean and renewable sources of energy. With the production of solar collectors, we aim to significantly reduce our reliance on coal-fired boilers, which have been a major contributor to carbon emissions and air pollution in our country.
“This initiative will not only help us achieve our climate goals but will also provide clean and sustainable heat energy for various sectors, including industrial, commercial, and residential,” he said.
He added that the partnership between Zesa Holdings and Absolicon is a prime example of the power of collaboration.
“Zesa Holdings has also signed a System Operations Agreement with Africa Greenco, a private company dedicated to supporting renewable energy development in Zimbabwe. These two agreements are truly historic and mark a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards a greener and more environmentally friendly energy sector.
“Africa Greenco’s expertise in providing security and guarantees for renewable energy projects will be instrumental in supporting the development and deployment of clean energy solutions across Zimbabwe.
“These collaborations will not only create job opportunities but will also contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in the clean energy sector,” Moyo said.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same event, Zesa executive chairperson Sydney Gata said the agreement represents the commitment of the power utility to embrace renewable energy and promote private sector participation.
“The establishment of the robotic manufacturing plant, we will be able to produce the solar collectors locally, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation and reducing our carbon footprint. “The implementation of this project comes at a cost of US$7.6 million, and we are fully committed to securing the necessary financing.
We will be exploring opportunities on the capital markets together with Absolicon to ensure the successful procurement of the required technology. “By embracing this clean and renewable energy solution, we are taking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
We are confident that this project will not only provide us with a cleaner source of heat energy but also create local job opportunities and foster technological advancements in our country,” he said. Gata added that Public-Private partnership opens up opportunities for renewable energy integration and facilitates the efficient utilisation of resources.
“We recognise that achieving universal access to clean and affordable energy while fuelling accelerated growth in Zimbabwe requires close collaboration between the public and private sectors. “These partnerships align with our vision of transitioning to a greener energy landscape without placing an undue burden on governments and the public sector.
It is a testament to the importance of fostering public-private partnerships to achieve our shared goals. “By embracing renewable energy and encouraging private sector involvement, we are not only diversifying our energy mix but also promoting economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
