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SANY's Zimbabwe mining solar power project

SANY is deepening its Africa footprint. (Image source: SANY)

China’s SANY has commenced work on a 10 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Zimbabwe as part of a mining project

In a statement, it reported that work commenced at the end of June, with the project being “undertaken by a Chinese mining company” working in the country.

It marks SANY’s first solar energy project in Zimbabwe. It also marks the first in Africa to adopt an innovative ‘EP+F’ business model, the statement noted, which integrates engineering, procurement, and financing into a customised solution to meet customers’ financial needs.

“As the first EP+F business model of SANY Silicon Energy, the project offers a replicable framework for future international renewable energy collaborations,” the SANY statement noted.

“By significantly reducing the financial burdens for customers, the model enhances the accessibility and feasibility of clean energy adoption in emerging markets.”

It added that the customer “expressed confidence in future cooperation with SANY in broader areas, including microgrids, e-trucks, and EV charging infrastructure.”

The project itself adopts SANY's self-developed 710 high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, paired with advanced inverters and high-strength support brackets and is scheduled for grid connection by the end of 2025.

Once operational, it is expected to generate 18 million kWh annually, easing power shortages and boosting electricity supply for local industries.

The project in Zimbabwe follows a previous solar installation in 2024 in neighbouring Zambia, with the connection to the grid of SANY’s Mining Microgrid Power Project, marking Africa's first and largest single-unit ‘solar + storage + diesel’ project, according to the Chinese group.

The first phase of this project, now in service, can generate 16 million kWh of electricity annually.

It also triggered interest in additional projects, with SANY signing three similar microgrid initiatives in Zambia since last year’s launch.

The deepening involvement in southern Africa’s mining and power industries reflects a change in approach to the continent by SANY, with the shift to projects and away from pure machinery sales.

“After a 23-year friendship with Africa, SANY's cooperation with the continent has evolved beyond only equipment trade [to] a more sustainable collaboration,” it noted.

In Africa, more than 50% of its workforce is now locally hired, contributing over 5,000 local job opportunities.

“Looking ahead, SANY will continue to leverage its technology and management strengths to build a robust local supply chain, supporting Africa's green energy and economy growth,” the statement added.

Read more:

SANY powers Zimbabwe with reliable diesel generators

SANY records robust growth in Africa sales

 

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