The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has announced plans to build a five megawatt (MW) solar farm at its Bulawayo campus.
Nust vice- chancellor Mqhele Dlodlo highlighted the university’s role in developing skills in the energy sector at the 2026 Sadc Sustainable Energy Week in Victoria Falls recently.
“As a leader in Stem-oriented human capital development institution, Nust is enhancing skills for students and professionals while strengthening community engagement,” Dlodlo said.
“We have capacitated over 800 Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) technicians nationwide with expertise in electrification, solar installations and energy management.”
He said the planned solar farm and other initiatives are in line with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), which prioritises renewable energy as a driver for industrial growth.
“Renewable energy is central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda, and as a university we are committed to supporting the country’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions,” Dlodlo said.
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Since 2013, Nust has been part of the Solar Thermal Heating and Cooling Demonstration Initiative (Soltrain), which promotes solar thermal technologies across the Sadc region.
The university is also conducting research on electronic waste management and digitalised energy education in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency, with support from the Internet Society Foundation.
Dlodlo said the proposed 5 MW solar PV farm would not only contribute to clean energy generation, but also serve as a learning and research platform.
“We are preparing to establish a 5 MW Solar PV Farm at our Bulawayo campus and we invite independent power producers to partner with us in making this vision a reality,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration across academic disciplines in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
“Projects such as net zero building design and energy efficiency are being embedded across faculties including the built environment, applied sciences and engineering,” Dlodlo said.
He added that Nust remained committed to playing a leading role in Zimbabwe’s energy transition.
“As a catalyst in the energy transition, Nust embraces these priorities wholeheartedly, confident that regional and global collaboration will accelerate progress toward affordable, reliable and modern energy for all,” Dladla added.