AfrElec: Chinese company Jin Yi to build 300-MW solar-coal-fired power plant in Zimbabwe

A Chinese-owned chrome smelting company Jin Yi Enterprises (Jin Yi) plans to establish a 300-MW solar and coal project to power its operations in central Zimbabwe and channel surplus capacity to the national grid.

NewsDay reported on January 15, citing Midlands regional minister Owen Ncube complimenting the company for investing in the dual energy project.

“We are aware of your [Jin Yi] future investment plans for a solar farm and coal-fired thermal power projects with [a] combined capacity of 300 MW at initial stage,” Ncube said.

“The promotion of renewable energy sources through the use of new and efficient technologies is core to attaining an upper-middle-income economy status.

“As Midlands province, we appreciate Jin Yi Enterprises Limited’s contribution to the ferrochrome value chain in general and the growth of our provincial gross domestic product in particular as we pursue an upper-middle-income economy status earlier than 2030.”

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