Solar plants for all Zimbabwe airports

The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) is intensifying efforts to modernize the country's international airports into smart and environmentally sustainable hubs. ACZ plans to construct solar plants at three major airports: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko International Airport, and Victoria Falls International Airport. These solar farms aim not only to provide renewable energy for airport operations but also to contribute surplus energy to the national grid, enhancing Zimbabwe's overall energy sustainability.

ACZ's commitment to environmental stewardship includes pursuing Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), a globally recognized certification that signifies airports' efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions. This accreditation process involves seven levels of certification, highlighting ACZ's dedication to sustainable development in the aviation sector.

Mr. Tonderai Mangombe, ACZ's public relations and communications manager, emphasized that the growth in aviation activities across Africa has necessitated infrastructure enhancements. For instance, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has undergone upgrades to increase capacity from 2.5 million to 6 million passengers annually, alongside improvements in passenger facilitation equipment.

Moreover, ACZ is advancing the upgrading of Victoria Falls International Airport to bolster its capacity for handling and transporting goods, thereby supporting local and international food logistics. These initiatives align with Zimbabwean government directives urging entities to adopt renewable energy solutions, especially in light of projected increases in power demand spurred by economic growth initiatives under the Second Republic.

In summary, ACZ's initiatives underscore its proactive approach towards sustainable development and modernization within Zimbabwe's aviation industry, positioning its airports as key drivers of economic and environmental progress.