THE National University of Science and Technology has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Satewave Technologies P/L to kick-start the implementation of a Solar PhotoVoltaic Farm Project to be constructed on the University grounds.
At a historical signing ceremony held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Boardroom, the NUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mqhele Dlodlo together with the Chief Executive Officer of Satewave Technologies Mr. Zhou Zhongguo signed the MOA to make official the partnership which will bring Solar Energy to NUST.
The main area of collaboration as stated in the MOA is to “implement a Joint Venture project involving, first and foremost, development of a 5MW PV solar farm which shall include Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning, and thus meet the energy requirements of NUST and the excess sold to the grid”, among other areas.
The agreement comes as a result of both parties, NUST and Satewave, recognising concerted efforts in addressing energy challenges and the need to mainstream energy efficiency concerns, which is in line with the national vision of providing efficient alternative forms of energy.
Expressing his vision and expectations concerning the project, Prof. Dlodlo highlighted that the solar plant will be able to produce energy sufficient for NUST and with time, NUST will be be able to supply the community and hopefully the nation at large.
“This solar project will seek to cover the energy needs of NUST as it will supply a 0.25 Megawatt, with the excess being sold to the grid. It is my hope to see (NUST) Technopark and Satewave being a power supplier registered with our Energy regulators and hopefully grow to be one of Africa’s Solar energy suppliers,” said Prof. Dlodlo.
The project’s objectives are also inclusive of the installation of solar bins, solar bus shelters, solar water heating, solar water pumping, block chain technology and other emerging technologies.
Representing the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development officials who witnessed the signing ceremony was Mr. Tafadzwa Madyiwa and Mr. Everson Bhunu whose main aim is to oversee the establishment of Innovation hubs as well as advocating for technological transfer in Universities.
The Director for the NUST Technopark, Dr. Eli Mtetwa and the University Registrar, Mr. Fidelis Mhlanga witnessed the agreement on behalf of NUST, whilst other Principal Officers graced the occasion.
Satewave Technologies is an integrated Zimbabwean-based Chinese construction technology services company, operating in the telecommunications, electrical, civil construction sectors. It is also the ZTE Accredited business partner for ZTE mobile phones in Zimbabwe. Satewave offers a range of expert contracting services to both public and private sector customers.