Net-metering capacity surges to 73,72MW

**Nqobile Bhebhe **

Zimpapers Business Hub

ZIMBABWE’S solar energy market is attracting growing private-sector investment, with net-metering capacity surging to 73,72 megawatts (MW) in 2025.

This comes as commercial and industrial consumers increasingly turn to distributed generation to strengthen electricity security and create opportunities across the energy value chain.

The expansion, which takes the country closer to its 100MW net-metering target, highlights the growing role of businesses in electricity generation, with commercial and industrial installations accounting for 92 percent of installed capacity, according to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA)’s 2025 Annual Report.

The figures point to an expanding market for solar equipment suppliers, project developers, electrical engineers and installation companies, while businesses are increasingly exploring ways to supplement conventional electricity supplies through their own generation systems.

ZERA chief executive officer Mr Edington Mazambani said the programme had moved beyond its initial stages to become a significant contributor to the national energy mix.

“As of early 2025, the Authority recorded approximately 21,43MW of solar power successfully feeding back into the national grid from 313 sites, inclusive of residential, commercial and industrial installations,” he said in the report.

“Net metering closed off the year 2025 at 73,72MW from 814 sites, a substantial leap by 244 percent toward the national target of 100MW.”

The increase in installed capacity from 21,43MW to 73,72MW represents a substantial expansion in the number of consumers generating electricity and feeding surplus power into the national grid under applicable net-metering arrangements.

ZERA said: “A total cumulative installed capacity for the 814 connected points is 73,72MW as at the end of December 2025.

“The capacity is distributed as follows: Commercial and industrial — 92 percent, and domestic — 8 percent.

“The utility is currently processing 135 applications (35MW pending). There has been an increased uptake of net metering from the commercial and industrial sector. ZETDC’s net-metering target for 2025 was 100MW.”

The 35MW pipeline of pending applications signals further potential growth, although the additional capacity will depend on applications progressing to installation and connection.

The dominance of commercial and industrial consumers underlines the growing importance of solar power to productive sectors, including mining, manufacturing, agriculture and retail, where electricity availability and cost can influence production schedules, operating expenses and competitiveness.

For businesses, on-site solar generation provides an opportunity to supplement grid electricity and manage exposure to supply interruptions.

Where installations generate surplus power, net metering creates a mechanism for feeding that electricity into the national grid.

The expansion also opens opportunities for companies supplying photovoltaic panels, inverters, batteries, mounting structures and other electrical equipment, alongside technical services covering system design, installation and maintenance.

However, the commercial benefits of individual projects depend on installation costs, electricity consumption patterns, system sizing and the applicable regulatory arrangements.

Beyond distributed solar generation, ZERA approved 61 electricity generation licences during 2025, reflecting continued interest in developing electricity projects for grid supply and own consumption.

The approvals could widen the pipeline of generation projects available to businesses and other electricity users seeking to invest in alternative power sources.

However, the number of licences approved does not, on its own, establish how much additional electricity will be delivered, as implementation and commissioning remain critical.

The developments come as the Government pursues industrialisation and economic growth, with reliable and competitively priced energy remaining central to expanding productive capacity and attracting investment.

ZERA reported that renewable energy accounted for 41,10 percent of the national energy mix in 2025, reflecting the contribution of
renewable sources, including large-scale hydropower, to electricity generation.

Internal electricity supply increased by 15,35 percent to 11 339,8 gigawatt-hours (GWh) during the year, supported by generation at Kariba and Hwange power stations.

The improvement provides a stronger foundation for economic activity, although sustaining reliable supplies will remain important if increased electricity availability is to translate into higher industrial output and improved business competitiveness.

Energy expert Mr Alex Masotsha said private generation could play an important role in strengthening electricity availability for businesses.

“The growth of private generation is particularly significant because businesses can supplement their electricity requirements through their own installations, while grid-connected arrangements can enable surplus generation to contribute to the wider electricity system,” he said.

“The challenge for policymakers and regulators is to ensure that expanding generation capacity is supported by appropriate infrastructure, predictable regulations and investment conditions that encourage projects to move from approval to operation.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s petroleum market recorded a significant increase in import volumes during 2025, highlighting the scale of demand and commercial activity across the fuel supply chain.

ZERA reported that total liquid fuel imports increased by 26,9 percent to 2,276 billion litres in 2025, from 1,794 billion litres in 2024.

“The import figures for all liquid fuels (diesel, petrol, paraffin and jet A1) in Zimbabwe show a significant upward trend from 2024 to 2025,” reads the report.

“Total imports amounted to 1,794 billion litres in 2024 against 2,276 billion litres imported in 2025, marking an increase of 26,9 percent.”

Diesel imports rose to 1,48 billion litres from 1,13 billion litres, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports reached 134,5 million kilogrammes.

The increase in fuel volumes has implications for businesses operating across procurement, storage, transportation and retail distribution.

Diesel remains particularly important to mining, agriculture, freight movement and industrial machinery, while fuel also supports companies that rely on generators to supplement grid electricity.

However, higher imports alone do not establish the extent to which underlying economic activity or final consumption increased.

ZERA said the number of licensed LPG retail operators had reached 1,170 nationwide, reflecting the breadth of the regulated distribution network.

Dependable fuel supplies and efficient distribution remain essential for businesses to manage logistics costs and maintain operational continuity.

Despite the growth in market volumes, ZERA reported high compliance levels in fuel quality monitoring.

Fuel quality compliance stood at 99,6 percent in 2025, while LPG recorded 100 percent compliance, according to the report.

The standards are important in protecting consumers, supporting equipment performance and maintaining confidence in the petroleum supply chain.

The authority conducted 4,334 energy-efficiency inspections during the year, recording a compliance rate of 99,68 percent.

Its enforcement activities included action against prohibited and inefficient lighting products, while regulatory work extended to emerging areas such as electric-vehicle charging safety and updated net-metering rules.

The latest figures point to expanding opportunities across electricity generation, solar technology, fuel distribution and energy-efficiency services as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen its productive capacity.

With net-metering capacity approaching the national target and electricity supply improving, distributed solar generation is becoming an increasingly important component of Zimbabwe’s efforts to diversify energy sources and support business growth.

Source: Net-metering capacity surges to 73,72MW – herald

The post Net-metering capacity surges to 73,72MW appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.