Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Surrey Group, one of Zimbabwe’s largest privately owned integrated beef and chicken abattoirs, is investing in a 1.8MW solar project to mitigate the impact of frequent power cuts that have been disrupting production.
Located near Marondera town, approximately 55 kilometres from Harare, Surrey Group has a nationwide presence with numerous outlets for its products.
The company’s decision to invest in solar energy underscores its commitment to maintaining a reliable power supply for its cold chain and abattoir operations, which are critical to its business.
Early this week, as part of a monitoring and evaluation tour of companies in Mashonaland East, the Secretary of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Tavabarira Kutamahufa, visited Surrey Group to gain insights into its operations and challenges.
Accompanied by senior Government officials, Mr Kutamahufa praised the company for its innovative approach to energy generation and its successful livestock and agriculture business.
“This is inspiring and exciting, particularly in terms of power generation. Surrey Group is in the cold chain and abattoir business, which requires constant power. Their investment in solar energy aligns with our vision of promoting local power generation on-site for industries. I understand they will generate 1,8MW against a demand of 1,2MW, the excess power will be fed into the national grid. This is a commendable move that will benefit everyone,” Mr Kutamahufa said.
He said Government is ever ready to play its facilitatory role through, inter alia, expediting licencing processing.
In an interview with The Herald, Surrey Group’s managing director, Mr Simon Arnold, revealed that the solar project will be implemented in three phases.
The first phase, which involves the installation of 400kW capacity, is nearing completion. The subsequent phases will increase capacity to 1,2MW and finally to 1,8MW.
“We are excited about this project, which will alleviate the power challenges we currently face. When ZESA has no power, we can rely on solar as a backup. This initiative will enhance power efficiency and provide operational advantages in terms of cost savings,” said Mr Arnold.
Following the tour of the solar farm, the delegation visited Surrey Group’s crocodile farm, which houses a large number of the reptiles, as well as its abattoirs.
The investment in solar energy not only strengthens Surrey Group’s operational resilience but also contributes to the national grid, showcasing the potential for private sector-led solutions to address Zimbabwe’s energy challenges.
