By Zimbabwe is moving forward with a major Zimbabwe solar airports initiative, installing solar power plants at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International, and Victoria Falls International Airports. The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) plans a 5 MW solar facility in Harare and around 2 MW each in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, with excess electricity fed back into the national grid. The project aims to enhance energy reliability, lower long-term costs, and support national renewable energy targets under a public-private partnership model.
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) has confirmed plans to install solar power plants at:
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare)
- Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo)
- Victoria Falls International Airport
The initiative is aimed at enhancing energy security across critical aviation infrastructure.
Capacity & Infrastructure
Preliminary plans indicate:
- A 5 megawatt solar plant at Harare’s main airport
- Around 2 megawatts each at Bulawayo and Victoria Falls
Excess electricity generated from the facilities is expected to be fed back into the national grid, contributing to Zimbabwe’s wider electrification efforts.
Zimbabwe has faced periodic power shortages, which can impact both commercial operations and infrastructure reliability.
By investing in solar energy, airport authorities aim to:
- Ensure consistent power supply for airport operations
- Lower long-term energy costs
- Support national renewable energy targets
The project is also expected to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with authorities currently evaluating potential investors and implementation frameworks.
The move reflects a broader trend across the aviation industry, where airports are increasingly integrating renewable energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints and operational risks.
For Zimbabwe, the initiative aligns with government efforts to expand renewable energy capacity and modernise infrastructure in response to growing demand.
Zimbabwe’s plan to deploy solar power at its major airports signals a strategic shift toward energy resilience and sustainability in aviation.
