TPZ Commissions 1.5MWp Rooftop Solar

Key Figures & Findings: Tobacco Processors Zimbabwe (TPZ) has commissioned a 1.5MWp rooftop solar PV plant at its Southerton factory in Harare. The project, developed by local energy firm Cicada Solar, marks the first phase of a broader renewable strategy to cut operational costs and improve energy reliability. Cicada Solar’s MD, Jonathan Wood, confirmed that this is part of a long-term initiative aimed at transitioning TPZ’s operations to cleaner power sources while boosting productivity.

Insights: The plant is expected to significantly reduce TPZ’s electricity bills, providing self-supply to one of Zimbabwe’s largest tobacco processing facilities. As the initial phase of a planned multi-stage solar rollout, the installation could help ease the plant’s dependence on the national grid.

Future Implications: Once further phases are completed, TPZ could reduce grid reliance by over 50%, enhancing production resilience amid national energy supply constraints, particularly from 2026 onward.

Source: Africa Energy