In late June, SANY officially started building a 10MW solar power facility in Zimbabwe. This initiative, led by a Chinese Mining Company, represents SANY’s inaugural solar project in Zimbabwe and the first in Africa to implement the pioneering “EP+F” business model, which combines engineering, procurement, and financing into a tailored solution addressing customers’ financial requirements.
The initiative utilizes SANY’s proprietary 710 high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, combined with cutting-edge inverters and durable support brackets. With a total capacity of 10 MW, the project is set to connect to the grid by the end of 2025. Once it becomes operational, it is projected to produce 18 million kWh each year, significantly alleviating Zimbabwe’s power shortages, providing electricity for local industries and residents, and aiding in the low-carbon energy transition throughout the region.
As the initial “EP+F” business model from SANY Silicon Energy, this project provides a replicable structure for upcoming international collaborations in renewable energy. By greatly lowering the financial pressures on consumers, the model improves the accessibility and practicality of adopting clean energy in developing markets. The customer conveyed optimism about further collaboration with SANY in various sectors, including microgrids, electric trucks, and EV charging infrastructure.
This is not SANY’s initial photovoltaic (PV) project in Africa. In late 2024, SANY’s Mining Microgrid Power Project was connected to the grid in Zambia after four months of construction, marking the continent’s first and largest single-unit “solar + storage + diesel” initiative. The first phase of the project, which is now operational, has the capacity to generate approximately 16 million kWh of electricity each year, resulting in electricity cost savings exceeding RMB 20 million for the customer, which represents nearly 30% of their overall production costs. Following this achievement, SANY has subsequently entered into agreements for three additional microgrid projects in Zambia, aiding in Africa’s energy transition.
After a 23-year partnership with Africa, SANY’s collaboration with the continent has evolved from merely trading equipment to embracing a more sustainable relationship. Currently, SANY operates 15 subsidiaries across more than 30 countries. With the backing of 13 reliable dealers, SANY’s machinery is utilized in over 50 countries and regions. At the same time, SANY is dedicated to fostering local development and enhancing people’s livelihoods. In Africa, over half of its workforce is comprised of local hires, providing more than 5,000 job opportunities for the community. Looking to the future, SANY aims to continue utilizing its technological and managerial expertise to create a robust local supply chain, further supporting Africa’s green energy initiatives and economic growth.
