Spanish-Japanese company Univergy International has announced that it will build 180 MW of solar power generation capacity to supply electricity to miner RioZim.
Univergy will partner RioEnergy, the RioZim energy arm that is backed Denham Capital, a resources and energy-focused global private equity firm.
The projects will be realised under power purchase agreements, Univergy said in a statement on Tuesday.
Under the plan, four separate solar parks of 45 MW each will be built at RioZim’s three gold mines – Renco Mine in Nyajena, Dalny Mine in Chakari, Cam and Motor Mine in Kadoma, and also at the Murowa Diamonds Mine near Zvishavane.
RioZim Ltd has been pursuing alternative sources of power for its operations in order to reduce its exposure to high electricity costs and to assist the nation at large in the general supply of power.
Univergy is active in Asia, South America, Europe, and Africa, and holds a portfolio of more than 2.6GW.
RioZim is currently in separate talks with investors to start development of a $1.2 billion power plant at Sengwa.
