By Flata Kavinga
The New Glovers Solar Power Plant in Munyati, Kwekwe, is currently generating 10 megawatts of electricity as part of the project’s first phase, with plans to expand output to 110 megawatts once all phases are completed.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a tour of the plant by the Midlands Provincial State Occasions Committee on Tuesday, plant operator Leroy Ngodho said the initial phase of the project is already operational ahead of its expected commissioning by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The tour was led by Midlands Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Edgars Seenza.
Ngodho said the 10MW plant is powered by about 18 600 solar panels and 31 inverters.
“Our 10 megawatt plant is using about 18 600 solar panels and 31 inverters,” he said.
He said the plant also has two transformers, each carrying about 6.5MVA, with the system designed to allow excess capacity for operational stability.
Ngodho said the plant uses a Smart Transformer Station system equipped with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology for monitoring and protection of the power system.
He said electricity generation at the plant began on 24 January 2025, before the facility was officially opened on 12 February 2026.
According to Ngodho, the plant can generate up to 10 megawatts per hour, translating to about 75 megawatts of electricity per day under favourable weather conditions.
“On a good day, we can generate at least 75 megawatts, while on a cloudy day we can generate a minimum of 35 megawatts per day,” he said.
He said the current installation represents the first phase of the project, with 10 additional phases planned.
“This is the first phase, so we still have more phases to come, which will carry exactly the same 10 megawatts each,” said Ngodho.
He said the completed project is expected to cover about 140 hectares, although he could not immediately provide the total cost of the development.
