📋 Tender Overview
Scope : To Build Floating Solar Plant at Kariba Dam in Zambia.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the corporation that operates and manages Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River, has announced that it will consider building a floating solar plant at the dam. Jointly owned by the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the ZRA is responsible for the environmental management of the Zambezi River.
The authorities in charge of the Kariba Dam plan to generate electricity from floating solar panels after plummeting water levels have increased power outages in both countries. The installations have the potential to reduce the evaporation of water bodies and boost energy yields due to the cooling effect of the water.
Climate change has resulted in lower water levels in the lower catchment of the river, although there is better average annual rainfall in the region. A prolonged drought has caused a power output cut of the dam, which has resulted in state power utilities being unable to meet energy demand.
The proposed photovoltaic plant at the world’s largest man-made dam will take advantage of the region’s abundant solar resources while providing clean and sustainable energy. The final decision on the use of floating solar panels at the dam by the ZRA is yet to be made. It is also subject to the cost of the solar project.
On March 2023, A 1,000-megawatt floating solar plant estimated to cost close to $1 billion is being considered by China Energy Engineering Corp., to be constructed on Zimbabwe’s Kariba dam. As Zimbabwe moves toward a greener future, this large-scale project is anticipated to provide the region with clean, renewable energy.
The projected solar farm would be one of the biggest in the world and the largest of its kind in Africa. It would be bigger than some cities in Zimbabwe, with a land area of more than 2,500 hectares. Up to two million households could receive power from the solar megaproject.
China Energy is dedicated to supplying developing countries with renewable energy options. The floating solar plant project is a part of that initiative. They have invested heavily in this project as well as others involving renewable energy.
The floating solar plant will be established on Lake Kariba. The lake lies between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Due to its size and relatively calm waters, it offers a perfect location for this kind of project.
The project is expected to take three years to complete. Thousands of jobs are expected to be created throughout the construction and operating phases.
Partners :
Governments of Zambia
Address : Fairley Road, Lusaka,
Zambia
Phone: 0211 428 600 (Short code: 2008)
E-mail: info@eservices.gov.zm
Website : https://zamportal.gov.zm/
Governments of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Website : https://www.zim.gov.zw/
