Zimbabwe Vegetable Producer Taps Renewables Start Up For Solar Power Backup!
Nhimbe Fresh said the planned 1.9 megawatts (MW) solar farm and battery storage facility would make it's business less prone to electricity shortages caused by frequent power cuts in Zimbabwe, which in some parts of the country lasted up to 18 hours earlier this year.
"The power outages have a major impact on our production and processing, reducing our capacity to 60%. We have backup diesel generators for the packhouses and irrigation, but they're too expensive to run," said Nhimbe Fresh's Chairman Edwin Moyo.
Sun Exchange, which allows people to buy individual cells on solar projects and earn a rental income in cryptocurrency, said it would launch crowd-sales for phase 1 of the three-stage project. The first phase will power Nhimbe's packhouse and cold store facilities.
 |
| Zimbabwe Vegetable Producer Taps Renewables Start Up For Solar Power Backup! |
To mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations that have plagued Zimbabwe since 2008's hyperinflation crash, solar cells will be leased to Nhimbe at a "U.S. dollar-pegged fixed price", Sun Exchange said.
The companies did not give a timeframe for the project.
Zimbabwe's agricultural exports more than doubled to $112 million in 2019, mainly due to a bounce in fresh produce sales to Europe and the Middle East as the government eased regulations and increased support to agri-businesses.
Nhimbe exports a range of fruit and vegetables to grocery retailers in the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates. It also grows tobacco under contract for export via British American Tobacco BATS.L.
But power shortages have threatened Zimbabwean fresh produce exporters' ability to tap into growing global demand, forcing the government, individual consumers and private firms to seek out more reliable alternatives.
Last year the government allowed fresh produce exporters to pay electricity bills in foreign currency in exchange for ring-fenced power to avoid blackouts.
The government has set a target to derive at least 1,575 megawatts of the country's power from solar by 2030, while also removing several import duties on solar energy-related products.
Chairman Moyo said the solar project would help with Nhimbe Fresh's expansion plans, including increasing blueberry production from 20 hectares to 200 hectares over five years and a $15 million joint venture with the UAE's Farmgate to produce fruits, macadamia nuts and vegetables for the UAE market.
(Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by Susan Fenton)
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
We have a substantial presence and experience in Borehole Siting, Borehole Drilling, Borehole Installation, and Solar Systems.
Standard Prices For Borehole Drilling
Borehole Siting (Geo-Survey)
Drilling & Casing (40m)
Standard Class 6 Casing included.
Premium Casing Upgrade
Upgrade to Class 9 Casing for extra durability.
Borehole Deepening / Extra Metres
For drilling beyond 40 metres.
Double Casing
For unstable ground conditions.
Tank & Tank Stand
5000 Litre Tank with a 4-metre Stand.
Disclaimer & Contact Information
ProWater Solutions makes no representations or warranties express or implied in relation to this website or the information and materials provided on this website. ProWater Solutions shall not be responsible for, and disclaims all liability for loss, injury, expense or damage (whether direct or consequential) of any nature whatsoever which may be suffered as a result of or which may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to the use of or reliance upon any information, links or services provided through this website. ProWater Solutions reserves the right to in its absolute discretion to modify, upgrade, update, suspend or withdraw this website or any part thereof at any time.
Request ProWater Solutions Services
ProWater Solutions links you to the best borehole drilling service providers in Zimbabwe. Contact us for FREE advice on your project:
David (Sales)