RURAL ELECTRIFICATION - SECTOR PRIORITIES
REF MANDATE
To facilitate rapid and equitable electrification of rural areas in Zimbabwe.
(Rural Electrification Fund Act 13.20, 2002)
Universal access to modern energy services by the rural communities of Zimbabwe by 2030
FUNDING SOURCES
6% ELECTRICITY LEVY
. By far the biggest source
Variable contribution. FISCAL ALLOCATIONS
ZERA SURPLUS
Modest contribution
FACILITIES
Accessed 44m from CATIC in 2008
GRANTS
These have come as co-funding from development agencies such as UNDP for minigrids
DONATIONS
Solar equipment from Italy and China.
RURAL ENERGY MASTER PLAN (REMP)
➢ REF has a Rural Energy Master Plan in place covering a 20 year time horizon
➢ The REMP provides a systematic and realistic approach to how Zimbabwe’s rural areas are to be provided with modern energy services, split into Grid and Off-Grid.
➢ Off- Grid is further split into:
Community Solar Mini-Grids.
Institutional Solar Micro-Grids, and
Solar Home Systems
➢ Such services are to meet the electrical energy needs(which are particularly essential for lighting in education and health, for refrigeration and cooling, entertainment, safety and other services.
PRIORITY PROJECTS : Mini-
Grids
Bemba Community
Solar Mini-Grid –60kW
PRIORITY PROJECTS
- SOLAR MINI-GRIDS - 25
• Solar Mini-Grids
• Sizes 60kW to 200kW
• Over 200 Mini-grids on the REMP
• Feasibility Studies carried out in partnership with UNDP
• Local area distribution network
BUSINESS MODEL
REF finances (Viability Gap Funding) , constructs and jointly operates and maintain with the benefitting Communities.
Agencies like UNDP are joining hands with REF and private Investors to provide such systems with productive use.
A collaborative approach in project implementation which addresses the operational and maintenance challenges faced by existing publicly funded mini-grids .
❖ The identified anchor consumers will provide stable revenue streams, ensuring the project's long-term viability and enhancing energy consumption across the community.
❖ The model exemplifies how decentralized energy solutions can drive sustainable development in rural areas.
❖ Designed to foster a sustainable "green village" concept that leverages renewable energy for social and economic development
Rural Solar Mini Grid Projects Zimbabwe (25)
Technical & Financial Information
Total Projects Value USD 20 million
Financial Structure DEBT/GRANTS
Requested Amount USD 14 million, Grants/Debt
Expected Closing 2025 Q1
Construction Time 6-9 months
Current Stage Feasibilities Completed
Project Developer & Participants
Establishment year 2002
Website www.rea.co.zw
Country of the Entity Zimbabwe
Location
Impacts
Project Development
Record
REF is a Government Entity responsible for Rural Electrification. REF has Developed four Mini grids to date and currently six are in progress. UNDP serves as the implementing partner collaborating with other key Stakeholders for projects sustainability.
