Mater Dei Hospital, one of Bulawayo’s major hospitals, on Tuesday unveiled a US$810,000 solar power plant.
The project, funded by Old Mutual through its Renewable Energy Fund, comprises around 1,300 solar panels connected to a 1-megawatt battery storage system, enabling the hospital to generate its own clean energy.
At peak output, the plant can produce up to 750 kilowatts, while the hospital currently uses between 350 and 450 kilowatts per hour.
The project is expected to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply for critical medical services.
Dr Adolf Macheka, chairman of the Mater Dei Hospital board of trustees, said the solar project will greatly improve the hospital’s power backup capacity. He said:
“During the day, if we have excellent weather, we can generate excess power for the hospital in case of a power cut.
“Each generator is able to supply electricity to a certain part of the hospital and lasts for four to six hours a day, which was quite expensive.”
Dr Macheka expressed gratitude to Old Mutual for funding the project, which is expected to last 20–25 years and generate millions of kilowatt-hours of power annually.
More: Chronicle
Pindula WhatsApp Channel
Facebook Page
Leave a Reply