Surrey Group Invests in 1.8 MW Solar Project to Enhance Power Efficiency and Ensure Food Safety

Marondera, Zimbabwe – Surrey Group, one of Zimbabwe’s leading privately-owned livestock and agriculture businesses, is making a bold move toward sustainable energy by investing in a 1.8 MW solar project to provide power backup for its abattoirs and shops in Marondera. This strategic investment comes as the company seeks to address the challenges posed by Zimbabwe’s erratic power supply and ensure the continuity of its operations, especially in maintaining the critical cold chain for safe food delivery.

Powering the Future of Food Safety

In recent years, Zimbabwe has faced ongoing power supply disruptions due to the national power utility ZESA‘s inability to meet demand. This situation has posed a serious challenge for businesses reliant on uninterrupted electricity, particularly those in the food processing sector. For Surrey Group, maintaining a consistent and reliable cold chain is essential to delivering safe, high-quality products to consumers.

In light of these power challenges, Surrey Group has opted to embrace solar energy as a sustainable and cost-effective solution. The company believes that this renewable energy source will not only help secure its operations but also contribute to the broader goals of reducing operational costs and promoting energy efficiency.

Solar Power: A Game-Changer for Surrey Group

Surrey Group’s 1.8 MW solar project spans approximately two hectares and is designed to power its beef and chicken abattoirs, as well as its retail outlets. According to Surrey Group chairman Philip de Chassart, the decision to invest in solar energy came after careful consideration of the high costs of diesel and the unreliability of ZESA power supply.

“We have looked at the cost of diesel, and it was becoming too expensive for us to sustain this business, where we use about 1MW of power every day,” said de Chassart. “ZESA has been unreliable in supporting our operations, and we have decided to invest in renewable energy to ensure we have a continuous, cost-effective power source.”

De Chassart further explained that on sunny days, the solar plant generates 100% of the company’s power requirements, enabling Surrey Group to operate efficiently without relying on external power sources. On cloudy days or during power outages, the company utilizes ZESA or backup generators to maintain operations.

Enhanced Power Efficiency and Cost Savings

The solar plant has been net metered by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), allowing Surrey Group to feed excess energy back into the national grid, further contributing to the nation’s energy resources. This arrangement not only improves the company’s energy independence but also provides financial incentives through energy credits.

“The solar plant is new, and we are excited about it,” de Chassart remarked. “We’re pretty sure that this initiative will enhance power efficiency and provide operational advantages in terms of cost savings. We believe that we will have more continuous power to sustain our business in the long run.”

A Step Toward Sustainability

This move is part of a broader trend in Zimbabwe, where more businesses are turning to solar energy as a way to mitigate the effects of inconsistent electricity supplies. In recent years, many companies in various sectors have embraced solar power plants, recognizing both the operational and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

For Surrey Group, the solar project aligns with its long-term sustainability goals, allowing the company to reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring that it can continue to provide safe and fresh products to the public. The company’s commitment to renewable energy represents a forward-thinking approach that not only addresses immediate power challenges but also positions Surrey Group as a leader in sustainable practices within Zimbabwe’s agricultural and food processing sectors.

As Surrey Group continues to expand its renewable energy investments, its 1.8 MW solar project marks a significant step in ensuring the company’s operations remain efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. By embracing solar power, Surrey Group is securing a reliable energy future for its abattoirs, shops, and food safety practices while contributing to Zimbabwe’s growing renewable energy sector.

As the country grapples with energy challenges, Surrey Group’s innovative approach serves as an inspiring example of how businesses can adapt to and thrive in a changing energy landscape. With the solar project already operational, the company is set to enjoy long-term benefits in both operational efficiency and sustainability, ensuring it can continue to serve the public with safe, high-quality products for years to come.