Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has begun construction of the first phase of a solar and battery energy project that is expected to grow into a 100-megawatt (MW) power plant.
The project forms the cornerstone of the company’s planned 800-acre Econet Tech City. It is designed primarily to provide reliable, independent electricity for Econet’s Harare operations, including its network facilities and data centres.
The investment reflects the growing importance of energy security to telecommunications operators. Their networks require uninterrupted power to maintain service quality.
Econet says an internal review found that 58% of all network service quality issues originate from power-related disturbances. These range from grid outages to fluctuations that affect sensitive telecommunications equipment.
“Our analysis showed that the single biggest threat to network quality is no longer the telecommunications equipment itself, it’s power,” said Econet Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Douglas Mboweni.
“If we are serious about delivering a world-class digital experience, then we must first guarantee a world-class power supply. That is why we are investing in generating our own clean, reliable energy.”
Chinese contractors have begun installing solar generation equipment and battery energy storage systems at the Tech City site.
Similar renewable energy systems are also being deployed at key Econet facilities across the country as part of a broader network resilience programme.
Once completed, the Tech City power plant will supply electricity to Econet’s Harare facilities, network operations and data centres.
Econet ultimately intends for grid electricity to serve primarily as a backup source. This reverses the traditional model under which businesses rely on the national grid as their principal power supply.
Surplus electricity from the solar plant will also power businesses set to locate within the planned Tech City development.
More: Business Times
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