Zimbabwe’s Leading Livestock Processor Turns to Renewable Energy for Cold Chain Reliability and Cost Efficiency:
Harare – May 5, 2025 – Sona Solar Zimbabwe congratulates Surrey Group for its bold and forward-thinking investment in clean energy with the commissioning of a 1.8-megawatt (MW) solar power plant at its abattoirs and retail facilities in Marondera.
As Zimbabwe continues to face inconsistent power supply from the national grid, the move by Surrey Group—one of the country’s most established privately-owned agribusinesses—signals a growing shift among major enterprises toward sustainable energy solutions to guarantee business continuity.
Ensuring Food Safety and Business Continuity Amid Power Challenges
In a statement made during the unveiling of the plant, Surrey Group Chairman Philip de Chassart highlighted that the solar facility was established to address the ongoing power outages that threaten the stability of cold chain operations critical to meat and poultry production.![]() |
Surrey Group Invests in 1.8MW Solar Plant to Power Marondera Operations |
The solar plant, which spans approximately two hectares, has been successfully net-metered by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), allowing Surrey to feed excess electricity back into the national grid. This integration aligns with the government’s broader push for industrial energy self-sufficiency through renewable sources.
From Diesel Dependency to Solar Independence
Prior to adopting solar energy, Surrey relied heavily on diesel-powered generators to maintain operations during frequent grid outages. However, escalating fuel prices and the environmental cost of diesel made the model increasingly unsustainable.“We were using about 1MW of power every day,” de Chassart revealed. “The cost of diesel was becoming too expensive, and with unreliable electricity from ZESA, it was no longer viable. The decision to transition to solar was both an economic and environmental imperative.”
Now, on clear, sunny days, the solar power plant is capable of supplying 100% of the company’s daily energy requirements, powering both beef and poultry processing operations as well as retail outlets. On cloudier days, the system seamlessly integrates with the national grid and backup generators to ensure uninterrupted service.
A Model for Industrial Renewable Energy Adoption in Zimbabwe
Sona Solar Zimbabwe celebrates Surrey Group’s achievement as a model of what’s possible when business leaders embrace innovative energy solutions. As more companies across Zimbabwe seek to secure their energy futures and reduce operational costs, solar power presents a clean, efficient, and scalable option.“This is a perfect example of how commercial and agricultural enterprises can take charge of their energy needs,” said a spokesperson for Sona Solar Zimbabwe. “We commend Surrey Group for its leadership in sustainability and for setting an example that others in the industry can follow.”
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Sona Solar Zimbabwe remains committed to supporting Zimbabwean industries with reliable solar installations that power productivity, protect profitability, and preserve the environment.

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