SANY Silicon Energy, a division of construction machinery company SANY Group, has officially started the construction of a solar power plant in Zimbabwe.

This project, commissioned by Runtu Mining Company, marks the company's first foray into the solar energy sector in Zimbabwe and is claimed to introduce the 'EP+F' model to the African continent.

The model combines engineering, procurement, and financing to provide a customised solution for customers' financial needs.

The solar power plant will include SANY’s proprietary 710 'high-efficiency' photovoltaic modules, alongside inverters and mounting systems.

Featuring a total capacity of 10MW, the project is stated to be on a fast track for completion, aiming for grid connection by the end of 2025.

Once operational, it is anticipated to produce 18 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is expected to alleviate Zimbabwe's power shortages, bolster local industries, and contribute to the region's low-carbon energy shift.

The project is a pilot for the 'EP+F' business model and could serve as a blueprint for future international renewable energy projects, states SANY.

The model aims to lessen the financial barriers for customers, thereby increasing the accessibility and viability of clean energy initiatives in developing markets.

The chair of Runtu Mining has expressed confidence in expanding cooperation with SANY in the areas of microgrids, heavy truck electrification, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

In July 2024, the Shiziyang Bridge construction in China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area reached a significant milestone, with SANY's pump trucks playing a crucial role in the completion of the bridge's east tower bearing beam platform.