Gwanda 100MW Solar Project Back On Track

The long-delayed 100 MW Gwanda solar power project is set to resume after the government formally authorised Intratrek Zimbabwe to proceed with construction.

The developer has been given 24 months to complete the project following the issuance of a “Notice to Proceed” by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).

The latest development follows the signing of a revised Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) agreement between the government, through ZPC, and Intratrek on March 27, 2025. Intratrek is working with Shanghai-based CHiNT Electric Co Ltd as its technical EPC partner.

The Gwanda project was initially awarded to Intratrek in 2014 at an estimated EPC cost of US$172 million. The company had submitted the lowest compliant bid, beating ZTE Corporation, Number 17 Metallurgical China, China Jiangxi International Corporation, and Afriven Investments.

As global solar construction costs declined, ZPC and Intratrek subsequently agreed to reduce the project’s EPC price to US$132 million.

However, implementation was delayed for several years amid issues linked to Zimbabwe’s debt obligations to China and a legal dispute over the stalled project.

ZPC terminated the contract in April 2018, citing delays and the expiry of implementation deadlines. Intratrek challenged the decision in the High Court.

On January 11, 2023, the High Court ruled that the contract remained valid. ZPC appealed, but the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal on December 1, 2023, effectively confirming Intratrek’s contractual position.

The court ruling paved the way for the reinstatement of the EPC agreement and allowed the project to move forward.

In its latest communication, ZPC instructed Intratrek to commence work.

“Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8.1 of the EPC contract, this letter serves as the formal Notice to Proceed with the full implementation of the contract,” ZPC said.

“Accordingly, the contractor is hereby authorised to commence execution of the works and to take immediate occupation of the project site in accordance with the conditions of the contract.”

Once completed, the Gwanda solar project is expected to contribute 100MW to Zimbabwe’s electricity generation capacity.

The additional power is expected to help ease the country’s electricity deficit, with average generation currently estimated at between 1 400MW and 1 600MW against peak demand ranging from 2 000MW to 4 000MW.