Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe to Build 70MW Solar Plant to Power Operations
Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) has announced the commencement of construction on a 70-megawatt (MW) solar power plant. This major investment is a core part of its strategy to ensure stable energy supply for its expanding lithium processing facilities and reduce its dependence on the national grid.
A Strategic Push for Energy Security
The 70MW solar plant is a strategic necessity for PLZ, a subsidiary of China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, one of the world's largest producers of lithium-ion battery materials. The project is designed to provide a consistent and reliable power source, which is critical for the energy-intensive processes involved in lithium mining and refining.
Supporting Value Addition
This solar investment directly supports PLZ's major value-addition project: a US$400 million lithium sulphate plant currently under construction in Goromonzi. This facility, which is 75% complete, will process raw lithium concentrates into high-value salts locally, a key objective of the Zimbabwean government. The plant is expected to begin production in the first quarter of 2026, with a projected annual output of 60,000 tonnes of lithium sulphate.
Addressing Zimbabwe's Energy Deficit
Zimbabwe's national grid is under increasing strain, with peak demand estimated at 2,200 MW against a domestic supply of only about 1,400 MW. By developing its own power source, PLZ not only secures its operations but also reduces its burden on the national utility, freeing up capacity for other users. This move is supported by the Government’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) policy, which encourages private sector investment in electricity generation, particularly in renewables.
Frequently Asked Questions
PLZ is constructing a 70-megawatt (MW) solar power plant to provide electricity for its lithium mining and processing operations in Zimbabwe.
The plant is essential to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for PLZ's new US$400 million lithium sulphate plant. It mitigates risks associated with Zimbabwe's national power grid, which is currently facing a significant supply deficit.
This project aligns with two key government objectives: promoting local value addition of minerals by powering the new processing plant, and encouraging private sector investment in renewable energy through the Independent Power Producer (IPP) policy.
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