PPC Zimbabwe Ramps Up Solar Projects

Key Figures & Findings:
Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) Zimbabwe a subsidiary of PPC Ltd, a leading cement manufacturer based in South Africa is accelerating plans to construct two solar power plants, with a combined capacity of 30MW, to ensure reliable power supply for its facilities in Colleen Bawn and Bulawayo. Speaking in Harare, Managing Director Albert Sigei emphasized the company’s dual approach of engaging the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) while independently advancing these renewable energy projects under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model. These solar plants, a 20MW facility in Colleen Bawn and a 10MW facility in Bulawayo, aim to address the ongoing power challenges impacting the company’s operations.

Statistics & Insights:
The solar projects, set to commence in Q1 next year, will require 18 months for completion. PPC Zimbabwe supplies over 50% of the nation’s cement needs, contributing to major infrastructure projects such as the Mbudzi interchange and several dam and road developments under Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda. The company’s cement capacity stands at 1.46 million tonnes annually, with facilities including a clinker plant in Colleen Bawn and grinding plants in Bulawayo and Harare.

Future Implications:
If completed as planned, these solar plants could significantly enhance PPC’s operational efficiency, mitigate power outages, and also align with Zimbabwe’s renewable energy ambitions. 

Source: CemNet